Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, two of tennis’s greatest champions known for their intense rivalry in the 1970s and 1980s, have found a new bond through their shared battles with cancer. Their story is the focus of a 90-minute documentary titled *Chris & Martina: The Final Set*, which chronicles their personal health struggles and the evolution of their friendship from fierce competition to mutual support.
Between 1973 and 1988, the pair met 80 times on the court, including 60 finals and 14 Grand Slam finals, with Martina winning 36 of those matches. Their rivalry was a defining feature of women’s tennis during that era, pushing both players to elevate their games. Martina Navratilova holds the record with nine Wimbledon singles titles, while Chris Evert’s seven French Open titles remain a benchmark in the sport.
However, their competitive dynamic changed dramatically in recent years as they faced life-altering health challenges. Chris, 71, was diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer in December 2021, a diagnosis that came a year after her younger sister died from the disease. Following surgery and chemotherapy for a recurrence in late 2023, Chris has been cancer-free since July 2024. Martina, 69, encountered an equally difficult diagnosis when she was found to have stage one throat cancer and unrelated early-stage breast cancer in late 2022. After treatment, she was declared cancer-free in March 2023.
The documentary reveals how these diagnoses deepened their relationship. Chris reflects on how coping with cancer together strengthened their bond in ways their rivalry never could. Martina recalls the fear and uncertainty they faced during treatment, describing chemotherapy as a challenging and disorienting experience. Both emphasize the profound shift in perspective that illness brought, with Chris noting the importance of family and Martina highlighting a newfound appreciation for life's preciousness.
Their friendship, once strained by competition, now includes regular visits and shared moments watching old matches. They express a mutual understanding that transcends their past clashes on the court. While they acknowledge their former rivalry helped elevate the sport, both agree that returning to professional tennis competition is no longer a priority. Instead, they look forward to simpler pleasures, such as spending time together and enjoying activities like skiing.
The film also features commentary from tennis icons Billie Jean King and John McEnroe, who reflect on the impact Evert and Navratilova had on women's tennis. The documentary debuted on Netflix on Friday, offering audiences an intimate look at how two former rivals have redefined their relationship through courage and companionship in the face of cancer.