Tennis icon Martina Navratilova, during her time on the Tour, battled archaic ideologies on the tennis court. Now, off the court, she is prepared to fight the dual cancer diagnosis that is once again threatening her. Immediately after her announcement, she received support from several prominent personalities in the tennis realm. Tennis greats like Chris Evert and Billie Jean King, along with other players, sent their messages of encouragement for the legend who is known throughout the sporting world for her fighting spirit.
After beating breast cancer in 2010, the former tennis player was given another severe blow. She recently received a stage 1 throat cancer diagnosis, along with some traces of breast cancer.
Tennis stars come in support of Martina Navratilova
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The Tennis world, including her best friends and fans, came forward to support the 59-time Grand Slam champion in her impending battle with cancer. After the former world number one broke the internet with her health update, several tennis legends took to Twitter in support of the former world number one.
Her arch-rival and good friend Chris Evert wrote, “Thinking of @Martina today and supporting her journey, like she did mine, with love and prayers. This is a woman who takes on challenges with strength and resilience…You got this, Martina!”
Thinking of @Martina today and supporting her journey, like she did mine, with love and prayers. This is a woman who takes on challenges with strength and resilience…You got this, Martina!❤️
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) January 2, 2023
Another founding member of the WTA, Billie Jean King, shared her message by tweeting, “@Martina is as brave as she is strong. She has fought this battle before, and she is in our thoughts and prayers.”
Even the American tennis player Zina Garrison wrote, “Sending love and prayers to my friend Martina. It’s truly in your DNA to fight. Much love to you and many prayers.”
.@Martina is as brave as she is strong.
She has fought this battle before, and she is in our thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/pF9LFnTQAc
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 2, 2023
Sending love and prayers to my friend Martina. Its truly in your DNA to fight. Much love ❤️ to you and many prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Zina Garrison (@beyondthegold) January 3, 2023
Additionally, the 37-year-old American tennis player John Isner wished a speedy recovery and wrote, “All the best in your recovery, Martina. You will dominate. Love you! x.” The Czech tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitová also commented on Navratilova’s tweet and wrote, “Sending you lots of love, strength and courage @Martina – thinking of you and believing in you .”
All the best in your recovery, Martina. You will dominate.
— John Isner (@JohnIsner) January 3, 2023
Sending you lots of love, strength and courage @Martina – thinking of you and believing in you 🤗 https://t.co/UJpHAz8Dch
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 3, 2023
Sending my love and my support to @Martina ❤️🙏 I am praying for you 🙏
— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 3, 2023
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Finally, the Wimbledon and US Open finalist, Ons Jabeur, wrote, “Sending my love and my support to @Martina❤️🙏 I am praying for you.”
When Navratilova showered support for Chris Evert
Just like Evert said earlier, there was a time when the 59-time Grand Slam champion supported the Ice Maiden’s cancer recovery. Navratilova was interviewed by Today in October, in which she hailed her archrival, who took it upon herself to inform her fans and others about the importance of early diagnosis of cancer.
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Notably, she specifically mentioned the American tennis player’s role as a fearless warrior in raising awareness among women about the dangers of breast cancer. It looks like her campaign has been a success considering the early detection of the deadly disease in none other than her best friend. Hopefully, Navratilova will triumph in her battle against cancer, just like in 2010.