via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams of the United States and Chris Evert pose after the women’s singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams of the United States and Chris Evert pose after the women’s singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert is undoubtedly one of the greatest rivalries in history. For nearly 15 years, they have played each other in multiple tournaments, including plenty of Grand Slam finals. Moreover, many call Navratilova the GOAT, even though Serena Williams and Margaret Court have won more Grand Slam singles titles.
After their retirement, both Navratilova and Evert got into commentary, as they provide their expert opinion during both WTA and ATP matches. Last year, a passionate Serena Williams fan called out both Evert and Navratilova for rooting against the 23-time Grand Slam champion. However, both of them gave a perfect reply to that fan.
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Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova gave a perfect reply to a Serena Williams fan
In 2021, a fan took to Twitter and criticized both Navratilova and Evert and called them ‘racist’. However, Navratilova answered with facts, as she said, “I didn’t really commentate until 2007. So you are full of it. When I did, I got criticized for being partial to both players who I just commentated on- #impossible. Like Sharapova vs Williams, like Federer vs Djokovic. Etc. That’s when you know you did your job right. So stop it.“
Then, Evert also joined, as she agreed with Navratilova’s comments. She said, “I agree with Martina. I actually have gotten just as much criticism being too pro SW…You can’t make everyone happy; that’s the nature of this job!“
I agree with Martina. I actually have gotten just as much criticism being too pro SW…You can’t make everyone happy; that’s the nature of this job!
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) November 23, 2021
Although both Navratilova and Evert criticized Serena in the past, they have also showered praise on the American legend on numerous occasions.
The career of Navratilova, Evert, and Serena
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Among Serena, Navratilova, and Evert, only Serena is still playing. Even though Navratilova and Evert played against each other 80 times in their career, they never played against Serena in any singles competition. In terms of statistics, Navratilova is way ahead of the other two, as she won 167 singles titles and 177 doubles tournaments in her career. Moreover, she won 59 Grand Slam titles, including 18 singles titles.
Watch This Story: Martina Navratilova once used subtle humor to overcome a brutal defeat to Chris Evert
Meanwhile, Evert also won the same number of Grand Slam singles titles as Navratilova. Apart from that, she also won 157 singles tournaments, 10 less than her Czech-American rival. Additionally, she became the first tennis player, male or female, to win 1000 singles matches in history.
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On the other hand, many call Serena the greatest of all time due to her dominance of the women’s circuit over the past two decades. Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles can certainly prove that. Moreover, she has also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus. Currently, the 40-year-old American star is preparing to vie for her 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
