How difficult is it to be friends with players you are competing against? Ask Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The two dominated women’s tennis during their prime days in the sport. They were involved in some memorable matches against each other. Despite the fact that they were strong rivals, the two maintained good friendships off the court. She once talked about how their friendship was affected by the competitive spirit in them.
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Chris Evert talks about on-court result’s effect on her friendship with Martina Navratilova
During an interview, Evert once opened up about match results affecting her bond with Navratilova. She went on to say, “When she started beating me, I couldn’t handle it. We kind of broke apart. I felt that emotionally the friendship was interfering. I was too immature to handle it, I know that now.”
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AMAGANSETT, NY – AUGUST 25: Tennis Players Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova attend the 4th Annual JMTP Pro-Am In The Hamptons on August 25, 2018 in Amagansett, New York. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Despite facing each other on numerous occasions in singles, the two also shared the same side of the court in women’s doubles and the Fed Cup. While Navratilova was going through tough times due to political instability in her native country, Evert had an idea about her condition. During that period, they were playing doubles together, winning the French Open in 1975 and Wimbledon in 1976. The two were an integral part of the United States Fed Cup team, helping the nation win multiple Fed Cup titles.
Evert receives a massive honor
The 67-year-old won the Stuart Scott Enspire Award for her achievements throughout her illustrious career. She is an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and a former World Number 1. Additionally, her achievements go beyond the tennis court, as she played a pivotal role in her leadership with the USTA Foundation, which recently distributed $3 million in its latest set of grants.
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Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. Evert showed grit and determination to fight this disease and completed her sixth and final chemotherapy session in May. Subsequently, Navratilova celebrated Evert’s victory over the disease, saying, “what a champ!!!! In every way:), well done Chrissie!!!!”
