Tennis has an unmistakable rhythm—the sound of the ball bouncing, the squeak of shoes on the court, the grunts of effort, and the crowd cheers. It’s a symphony that fans know all too well. But beyond this audible rhythm lies a quieter, often unheard sound—the silent struggles players face beyond the spotlight. This “silent noise” of pain, hardship, and personal battles often goes unnoticed, masked by the sport’s glamour. Two legends of the game, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, have experienced this duality. On the court, they were fierce rivals, battling for titles and accolades. But off the court, they faced challenges going far beyond the baseline.

Navratilova and Evert shared an iconic rivalry on the courts in the 1970s and 1980s. Between 1973 and 1988, the duo engaged in around 80 matches against each other, with 60 of them coming in the finals. This meant that they also shared some close times with each other. They dressed side by side. They waited together, sometimes ate together, and entered the arena together. It was for this probable reason that despite being staunch rivals on the courts, Evert and Navratilova shared a very close bond. Close enough that the pain of one hurt the other. 

The former tennis sensations engaged in an interview with Ralph Lauren in early October, this year. They deliberated on several factors, including the woes they faced because of their cancer. Both players highlighted how the disease affected them and the impact it had on their lives. But for Navratilova, it feels that her own struggles with the disease witnessed growth after she got to hear similar news about her friend-turned-rival, Evert. 

Speaking in the interview, Navratilova shared her reaction to hearing Evert facing the same challenge. “When you were diagnosed, it terrified me,” she said. “And then I supported you. And then a year later, I get it, and then you supported me,” Evert added. For the unversed, both Evert and Navratilova went through similar scenarios. 

It was for the first time in 2010 when Navratilova faced a non-invasive form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma. Thirteen years later, her struggles emerged again as she found out she had two types of cancer at the same time. After being diagnosed with Stage 1 throat cancer, doctors conducted a biopsy and discovered a lump on her breast. It was Stage 1 breast cancer as well. Situations were no different for Evert. 

In 2022, the 18-time Grand Slam champion publicly detailed her first cancer diagnosis in an attempt to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, which had killed her younger sister in 2020. Evert was diagnosed with Stage I ovarian cancer again the next year. But both the players won this battle and are now free from the disease. Interestingly, they both emerged as each other’s biggest supporters. 

In an interview at the All England Club this year, Navratilova detailed how Evert helped her during her challenging phase and vice versa. “She has been such a support for me. Coming over to my house, cooking me soup, cooking me pasta, really taking care of me, calling me, making sure I’m OK,” she revealed. However, both players had different ways of fighting their illnesses. 

When Martina Navratilova opened up about her suffering

Martina Navratilova has not just fought some relentless battles on the courts, but off of it as well. The star player revealed how her perspective about facing the world changed after she was diagnosed with cancer and how different it was from that of Evert.

Speaking in the same interview at the All England Club in July, Evert said, “With our cancer, I was in a hole.” Continuing further, she depicted the challenges she faced and her inability to face the world. “I didn’t want the world to see anything. I didn’t want to see myself in the mirror, so I certainly didn’t want anyone else to see me.” She further reflected on how Evert had a whole different perspective when she was diagnosed with the disease. 

“You were much more public about your treatment and everything else. It’s funny. But we end up in the same place.” But while the disease gave the players some tough times, it definitely helped Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert strengthen their friendship, which the world can see today.