There have been iconic rivalries that tennis enthusiasts have rooted for years. Be it Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer or Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova. But before this era, we had the iconic rivalry between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who brought in huge audiences to witness their grueling matches. The two played their last match together in Chicago in 1988. Sharing such a long and old rivalry has instilled a sense of competition that Navratilova cannot seem to let go of yet.

Unfortunately yet astonishingly, both players have undergone cancer treatments. Thankfully, both are now cancer-free, but some telltale signs of chemotherapy have affected Martina Navratilova more than Chris Evert. And this is where the competition has come up again.

Martina Navratilova can not stop competing with Chris Evert

The 18-time Grand Slam champion share a lot in common other than the count of their major titles. Both players were diagnosed with cancer, however, the duo has come to the safer side of it. Nonetheless, one major consequence of chemotherapy is losing hair. Navratilova and Evert’s bodies reacted differently to the treatment and Navratilova could not help but bring competition in this aspect too.

In a candid interview with Piers Morgan, Navratilova stated, “I got my hair cut too. This chemo doesn’t make you lose your hair. I was hoping that I would actually lose the hair because usually, it grows back thicker.” On the other hand, the chemotherapy that Evert underwent was the one where she lost her hair.

Giving context, Navratilova said, “Chris’s hair is thicker, she lost hair; she had different chemo and her hair is really cute, short but really thick.” Accepting her honest feelings, she jokingly said, “See, the competition comes in again. Now, Chris’s hair is thicker than me. I am kidding.”

READ MORE: ‘Suck It Up and Deal With It’- Heart-Wrenching Battles of Young Cancer Patients Forces Martina Navratilova To Undergo a Drastic Perspective Shift

Being rivals for years and playing 80 matches against each other helped develop a sense of competition that the two still joke about. However, that does not sideline the wholesome friendship these two have shared for decades.

How did Chris Evert help Navratilova during this rough time? 

In a conversation with Morgan, Navratilova stated that surrounding herself with positive people was essential for her and that Evert was one of those people. Every little moment of positivity helped her get over such a gargantuan obstacle.

WATCH THIS STORY: Chris Evert Looks Back at Her Astounding Rivalry With Martina Navratilova and the Negative Impact of Her 13-Match Losing Streak

Facing one rival 80 times tests your capabilities to the extremes and does not sound very pleasant. However, the duo kept it professional and outside the court, they have always stayed with each other as support systems.