Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova: Bitter rivals. Beloved friends. Survivors.

[@gerardmackay8909]

Martina was there at Jeannie’s bedside supporting Chris in the final stages. Now THAT’s the essence of true friendship

[@johniii8147]

And i expect they were on their phones with each other as each is sitting through chemo. They both understand each other in ways no one else ever will.

[@ducariusrex]

Two amazing women. Incredible competitors. Best friends. I never get tired of their story. The cancer is just another chapter.

[@jackdoe4632]

The last chapter for them both.

[@Sirala6]

Queen Champions.

[@robertbeining141]

Chris and Martina are not only heroes on the Tennis Court but heroes in fighting & beating cancer and sharing their stories with the world in order to help others. So grateful they have shared their stories and their love and support for one another for decades. Those were truly the days of Tennis and thank goodness it is recorded history.

[@gerrydooley951]

they just played tennis, it's not like they did anything great

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@gerrydooley951 Why are you here then?

[@patkennedy2620]

@@gerrydooley951 You obviously know NOTHING about their lives & Histories, what they had to fight against, defecting, changing countries, particularly Martina. Do some RESEARCH before you post such ridiculous nonsense in future & embarrass yourself!

[@gerrydooley951]

@@stevenmeyer9674 I like to annoy myself

[@gerrydooley951]

@@patkennedy2620 she defected like 100 years ago, they have both had great lives but it's all based on playing a game, get over yourself. It's not like they cured cancer, although they actually got cancer

[@marcfleischmann9911]

The epitome of two world class athletes and their bond of friendship… Great examples for us all! What really matters is how you face your life and all of its challenges, no matter who you are…

[@TrevorMoses312]

These two people are sisters in the truest sense.

[@stephengiese7549]

They stuck together through thick and thin times. What good friendship through competitive years and now with battling cancer. What a bond to see. They are tough and no nonsence ladies. Credit to you both!

[@kevinn1158]

This is such an incredible example of being classy, compassionate human being. Compete hard but rise above the game afterward. I lost my dad to cancer. It really shows who you are as a human being.

[@kimlibera663]

This is the beauty of sport when rivals can become great friends.

[@johniii8147]

Truly a special friendship.

[@thomaslucia3059]

I feel honored to have been able to watch and follow both players through nearly all of their careers. I was a HUGE Chris Evert fan and was so very fortunate to have seen her in person, playing at the 1975 US Open when Martina defected. I watched in awe throughout her career - the focus, the determination, the razor-sharp skills and precision, the incredible records - and marveled at her grace whether winning or losing. The true champion we should all try to emulate. To both of these champions...THANK YOU AND ALL BEST WISHES!

[@MLMLW]

Me, too. There was nothing like watching those two play tennis!! They're the ones that made me want to play tennis as a young person. I love the sport.

[@mjd111]

Me three... Martina's autobiography literally saved my life. I was 13 when I read it & knew I was different and no internet back then. Told I was going to hell by family members. Now 61. I was an athlete thru college too & Martina was the best women's athlete I had ever seen. I met Martina once before a "Virgina Slims" tournament here in MA.

[@elliej11j68]

@@mjd111Loved these 2 ladies, womens tennis was brilliant and exciting in their era. Sadly now, not so much.

[@elliej11j68]

@@mjd111 Hope you have had a great life up until now, you deserve it sweetie. x

[@tbrunk4214]

I love these two women! I grew up watching them, and over time, both became role models for me. Amazing, amazing ladies. I am so happy to see how close they are and how strong they are.Thank you for this.

[@JohnLee-pt5jz]

Totally agree with you 😊

[@mrkeiths48]

For all of us who have lost a loved one to cancer, Chris and Martina are a fresh breath of air. They were super humans back when they competed, and now it's great to see how they care immensely for each other. So nice to be able to root for them both now. There is hope in the world!

[@MxGrr]

They were never “bitter rivals”. They were extremely competitive but gracious rivals to each other.

[@eugenedowns2563]

Great observation. Their relationship has always had a firm foundation of deep, mutual respect.

[@mjd111]

"Gracious rivals" is a perfect description! 🤙😁

[@leolight5369]

Wrong. There was a fallout between 1981 and 1983. Navratilova hired basketball player Nancy Lieberman in 1981. Lieberman taught Martina that she had to "hate" Chris in order to be the best. It resulted in tensions between the two. It's documented. Thankfully that didn't last forever.

[@eugenedowns2563]

@@leolight5369 Yes, you're right. That was the dark period of their rivalry. Still respectful but not collegial.

[@johniii8147]

@@leolight5369 Yeah fortunately they pretty quickly got over the toxic GF of martina at the time. They have both had partners come and go yet here they still are.

[@josephjoel9199]

Chris is my favorite player ever, but I always loved Martina, too. Brave ladies.

[@tahwsisiht]

Real strength. Real friends. Real people. Real support. People are so lucky who can experience this kind of relationship. Shapes your perception of the world, love and humanity.

[@Pagliaccimr1]

Love these women. Wishing them continued strength and resilience.

[@montythepoodlepup9634]

I'm 59 from UK 🇬🇧, tennis so exciting growing up watching these 2 fantastic women/ sports women! Whole family enthralled with Wimbledon with such talent. Same condition affected my loved ones too, so happy on the up!!😊❤

[@matthewgroom8689]

That's magic!! These women have been my idols since childhood. Wonderful to see them now winning different battles and sharing their experiences to help everyone else. As people and role models they're as good as it gets.

[@January.]

*women

[@alternativeviewz3762]

Grew up admiring & loving them both... there will never be another Martina & Chris

[@thomasmagnum3588]

I developed a pretty mean two handed backhand in high school thanks to Chrissie! And like them, I am also in my 60s and a cancer survivor. So good they have each other, and a platform to help others. One great thing about cancer, it gives you such an appreciation for the fragility of life; and intensifies your feelings toward your family, your friends, your faith - all the truly important things of life.

[@kenarthur6253]

Two amazing tennis champions. Two brave fighters. ❤️❤️❤️

[@derekking7319]

Huge respect to both of these warriors. And a bigger thank you for your humanity and respect. Seeing this brings hope to so many. And never underestimate the power of support. God bless!

[@sues9809]

Two of the best tennis players I had the pleasure of watching as a kid!!! What an inspiration!

[@amr526]

Wow, how lucky they are to have each other.❤

[@andromeda939]

What an amazing pair of great, tough minded women. Terrific interview, thank you Sally!

[@Barret-paddles]

Thank you Sally Jenkins and WP for this inspiring story about these two amazing athletes and human beings ❤

[@lenwelch2195]

The longest relationship either has had is with each other. They see this and treasure it. Both very different personalities yet went through life side by side forgiving the other for being in the way of their dream of being number one. Both have come out on top.

[@carollomax9524]

Thank you so much for that Martina and Christie. You have given me a lot of pleasure over the years. I really admire your honesty and strength. God bless you both. Xxxxx

[@maytedrew8638]

They are still champions because they are fighters and survivors. God bless them.

[@DavidChapman-hu2eq]

Greats of my youth be happy be healthy be lucky. Love and respect ❤❤❤❤

[@maudeboggins9834]

I grew up watching these two playing tennis. Two fabulous players & tennis ambassadors. So glad both of them are thriving.

[@frankdesantis8078]

I wasn’t aware of your health issues until I saw this. You two were great inspirational athletes.Thanks for the enjoyment you gave me watching you perform at the absolute highest levels. I see that you also conquered this terrible disease with determination and humility. You are champions in tennis and life. Bless you both.

[@albertmontoya6413]

There will never be another Chris or Martina

[@nickhaswell6011]

Agreed

[@marcelredplanet3765]

I am 42 years old now and have watched tennis for 30 years since 1993 (Wimbledon final). Chrissy wasn't a player anymore and Martina in her final stages. But there were always around in form or another and I have watched a lot of replays of their legendary rivalry as well as countless documentaries, news bits etc. I usually don't wish to be older but I still feel I have been robbed of the playing days of these two just because I am too young. Seeing them today and knowing what they have been through while always being the greatest advocates for tennis and also strong women, equality and justice, my admiration for them is endless. Thank you Martina, thank you Chris for everything you have done.

[@user-gu3dj9wp9g]

Appreciate Martina & Chris for their candor to share their personal cancer experiences to raise awareness in efforts protect others, encouraging personal health care vigilance and due diligence to save lives and reap benefits from early detection!!! You both continue to inspire and lead by example. I honor you. Marilyn

[@ChrisT-O]

They are both really champions, on court and in life.

[@sylpascale7673]

Great video, two amazing Woman, so nice that they are best friends.

[@christopherhammer1778]

The best article on these 2 gems of athletes and friends in today's Washington Post 2 July 2023

[@urbanus3546]

Absolutely GREAT LADIES, GREAT HUMAN BEINGS. Big thank you and all the very best to both of them.

[@stuartblack758]

I just love these two.

[@divot4us866]

Love these two inspirational women, I am also a cancer survivor , greatful for everything. Thanks Champs!

[@banksiasong]

The media were so vicious to Martina, but she always rose above it. But it must've really hurt, especially as she was a youngster.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I really liked her.

[@ralex3697]

Same here

[@normadesmond6017]

of course. She got the insults because of her sexual preference and the fact that she was born in eastern Europe. That was pretty disgusting. And bless Chris Evert - she didn't care about either fact. They was opponents on the tennis court but friend everywhere else. I used to get out of bed in the middle of the night to see this two battling it out! So bless you both in every way.

[@johniii8147]

@@normadesmond6017 Yes though they had issues for a couple of years ( what 50 year old friendship does not?) they always supported each other. They had that bond.

[@grl9917]

The fact that she is a good human being won in the end.

[@davidnolan7349]

Two wonderful people, great tennis players and all the very best to them.

[@MFuria-os7ln]

The best matches ever played are by those wonderful ladies! I was with Chris always, and always thought she was a genius. Anyway Martina was such a strong and "modern" player and I loved her too. Never had so much fun watching tennis since then.

[@trikywu]

Two of my childhood idols. I just love their friendship. May they continue in good health for many years to come.

[@pepsine]

Oh these two legends, women, fighter...Adore them both, Is there a full lenght interview?

[@dr.susanchaudoir8576]

love these two champions! Superstars! I'm a fellow survivor (and collegiate athlete), so I can relate to them so much. Thank you for sharing and posting. May we all continue to THRIVE 🎉

[@tubenoober]

I was named after Chris and grew up watching and being inspired by both of these amazing women! Their bond and story is beautiful.

[@yogi7860]

Those 2 battling it out made history on the court .. so awesome to see them friends and supporting each other

[@Californiadreamin715]

God bless both of these beautiful and amazing women!!❤️🙏🏻

[@TheDiana1]

Martina and Chris's rivalry was the greatest rivalry in sport not just in tennis!!!. They played each other 80 times and brought women's tennis to a whole new level. They absolutely brought the best out of each other as the whole world watched on!!!. You were either a Chris or a Martina fan and i was firmly rooting for Martina lol!!!. As a gay man, i looked up to Martina with a sense of awe and pride. She represented hope for me and i watched with astonishment how she managed to fight and win every battle off the court. When you think about her life and everything she's been through, i don't think any other player could have handled the constant pressure from the media the way that Martina did. To win as much as she did and the longevity of her career is testament to what a very special and unique human being she is. That's the main reason why i think Martina's the greatest female tennis player of all time and one of the greatest period!!!. To see their close friendship blossoming over the years is so comforting as we'll never see their likes again. We tennis fans have been blessed to have seen them in the same era, the greatest baseline player against the greatest serve volleyer of all time. We owe both these very special ladies a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. Thank you Martina and Chris for sharing you're amazing skills with the world and you're enduring friendship is just the icing on the cake!!!.

[@michaelg6686]

I hope both get over this.I wish them the best.they are the Pioneers of Tennis. the 70's and 80's were the foundation of what Tennis is today.

[@RiverWolfe]

I watched these two play as a teen that influenced my decision to play the sport in HS and College! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kevinbwillson4161]

Two of my Heroes have been always will be

[@dpuckjoe]

Two legends.

[@davidberlin3042]

They are both so amazing!

[@achillesjones70]

This is very touching to be honest. These 2 were fierce rivals for so many years playing finals after finals on the tour. Respect , friendship and a togetherness in battling for life came out of it. God bless them both.

[@annacanale9780]

I am so glad that I grew watching these two championships!

[@TeclaSAPcomUlissesCarvalho]

Two absolute legends! ❤

[@robvoyage2024]

I just love that champion Martina Navratilova. What an amazing human being. 9 times Wimbledon champion. No one has beaten it. To top it off she’s a lovely person too. Love you Martina. Did I mention she beat cancer twice. Now there’s a champion of champions!!

[@ChristianSpliid]

you are both inspirational. thank you for this,

[@brewster84067]

I watched these iconic women as a young tennis player and have had nothing but admiration for both. They have both been ambassadors of our great sport and now ambassadors of a battle so many people in the world face today. Their approach to the challenges of cancer motivates us all.

[@peytonrutledge4114]

Thank you to Sally Jenkins for this and for your terrific article in the Post about these two champions. And they are champions in tennis and in life.

[@lenwelch2195]

Two great human beings , their lives intertwined for all these years. Beautiful to see each other’s concern for each other.

[@ooops372]

I like it so much to see them speaking in a Close-Up about topics we all share. THANK YOU!

[@ABBADiego]

I love both of these ladies.

[@bobjg1956]

Love this beautiful friendship...they are both absolutely amazing...! God bless them both xx

[@hollygolytely3478]

When I was a preteen, I had the opportunity to meet Martina. I was very intimidated. I knew Martina was very strong, but when cancer hit, she proved how strong she was off the tennis court. Thanks for the meet and greet all those years ago. ❤❤❤

[@CarlosEmilioEsq]

Rivalry of rivalries. Such a credit to the sport.

[@Tarawater18]

This was an amazing article. Brought me to tears. I’ve watched them play against each other for so long, I feel like I know them.

[@georgiehollander2199]

Loved, loved, loved these two. As much as I love Chris, Martina was, and still is, the GREATEST EVER !!!!

[@elizabethturner2421]

I read the full piece in the Washington Post when it was published. Powerful work from Sally Jenkins, as powerful as her subjects and their (intertwined) stories, and I hope Jenkins will be properly recognized for her work.

[@paulb47NYC]

I was so happy when my sister posted a photo of Martina, Cancer Free (again) And Chris coming out winning too. Certainly NOLE has major rivalries with RAFA and FED but Chris & Martina 80! Eighty!! Unmatched. Chris has consistency numbers that may eventually be beaten but hasn't happend yet.

[@lenwelch2195]

I haven’t seen a player come close to being her best day after day as Chris . Martina showed this consistancy first half of 78 and 79 and 1982-1987 weekly. From 1974-1986 Chris was number one or number two, winning a slam every year for those 13 years. Chris has a 90 percent winning percentage in all of her matches 1309. Highest in pro history of any player male or female. Martina eventually had Chris’s number but even then Chris still won slams , 3 of which she beat Martina 85- on. With such a great record there was Martina seeing how Chris did it and since Martina owns Chris on a fast court believed she could do it and she did even if it was for a shorter time. Both were over 30 by time Graf dominated in 88. At the time it was rare for woman players to play past 30-31. I hope both Ladies feel the love that the public who grew up with her . They’ve had great lives for themselves but they did this giving pleasure to so many who saw their journey to improve as their own and saw a way they could do it and succeed just like Chris and Martina. Radiation took a chunk out of both Ladies but knowing their fighting spirit , they’ll be up and at it before you know it. As time has gone by o I’ve learned to understand Martina better. I’ve always admired her ethics and now I appreciate her delivery. It was never meant to be gruff or unsympathetic. Big part is the sound of the Russian language ring her first language. It makes Martina unique. WheneverChris lost to Martina I was sad but at least if she was going to lose it was to Navratilova. Nothing to feel bad about there. Winning seemed more important to Martina perhaps because she won most of hers after 26.Both wound up with 18 slam titles.

[@paulb47NYC]

@@lenwelch2195 Yup! On Twitter where Martina has a BIG Prescence I like to tell her, "YA have a big LOUD mouth and Ya Ain't never gonna shut it, ARE YA!" And Martina I wouldn't have it any other way!

[@roxannestapleton-whyms6925]

Two icons - thanks so much for sharing!

[@95KIPPIE]

Those two women are two of my favorite people in the world, especially Chris. I grew up fascinated by her since 1975, the year she was number one. And Martina shortly after. I always rooted for Chris, but this time I rooted for both of them!

[@whyaskwhy000]

I love these two! They will go down as the greatest rivalry tennis has known. They were opposites on the court, but they are so much alike intellectually and personality wise. If you got to see any of their rivalry as it happened, then you saw two of the greatest tennis players of all time. What a time to be a tennis fan!

[@peterclarke3990]

The epitome of heroism, both of them. What an example, no different to you or I. They treat cancer like they hit the tennis ball-knock it out of the court! Well done girls. Proud of you both!

[@yvonnecamperriovista225]

Thank you Ladies for sharing this beautiful story

[@charlieh3998]

Grew up watching tennis mid 70s thru early 80s. It was great..

[@henryh.3988]

Vielen Dank für Das Interview ich bin dankbar viele Grüße aus Nürnberg . Deutschland

[@jolynnhill8502]

I love both of these talented kind women. I watched all of their matches in the 70's. I am the same age and can fully relate to everything they are saying.

[@Mary-po4ti]

Simply the best two.... Love them❤❤❤

[@curtconroy8789]

Love these 2. I watched so many of their matches.

[@anneperry9014]

Bless these two ladies. So glad they are friends, lovely!❤

[@robertsterner2145]

I remember so well when Martina won her first Wimbledon title and as a kid I even had a poster of her (hitting a backhand slice) in the same Ted Tinling-designed dress with the wide blue collar she wore at Wimbledon. They[re very special people, great ambassadors for the sport, terrific champions, and most importantly hugely empathetic.

[@robertplant2059]

I lover Martina, have for decades and so happy that she is a proud america, and was able to be open about her sexuality. She is a legend!

[@lucu01]

love these two, great characters, amazing human beings - love and support, the selflessness

[@ldunn7641]

Ladies, I followed your tennis career many years ago and you are truely great players. Its always great to see you both at Wimbledon commentating. Take care & keep coming back to see us L - Scotland

[@jaapbruijn1300]

Two fantastic Women. Heroes of my youth!!!

[@elanalistafinanciero]

Amazing the story, I was lucky to have worked with Chriss at her academy in Boca and learnt a lot from her. They are two great champions and role models, May God bless them, give them love and health, JL

[@annettemalaski1967]

Very brave women! Thanks for speaking out!

[@juliewilliams8830]

2 amazing legends

[@pierrerosset-op9no]

They are unique great champions of tennis love you 💕💕💖💖

[@Adrichatkin]

Thank you! Such an example!

[@soniamoss734]

2 true champions. Respect!

[@bromptinowner763]

Love love these two !!

[@janjansen5078]

Hele goede en sportieve speelsters!!heel fijn omnaar te kijken!❤

[@traceyoneill7684]

I so respect, love and admire these two wonderful women.

[@watsonaqua4560]

A magical duo in every way.

[@jerrywang592]

The black and white thumbnail of them with their eyes closed is simply amazing.