Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are two tennis legends who had the unfortunate circumstances of being diagnosed with cancer. However, the two showed why they’re considered legends of tennis. Both WTA players were able to overcome cancer, and Navratilova did it twice. In a recent interview, the 59-time Grand Slam champion talked about how Chris Evert’s journey with cancer helped her as well.

Chris Evert was diagnosed with cancer in December 2021. The retired American star went through six sessions of chemotherapy, which helped her get rid of the cancer. Along with the treatments, she received help from her sister’s genetic road map. Chris’ sister Jeanne Evert Dubin was also diagnosed with cancer, but she unfortunately succumbed to it. However, Jeanne’s journey helped in saving Chris’ life.

Martina Navratilova on Chris Evert’s traumatic struggle with cancer

Navratilova was first given a diagnosis of throat and breast cancer in January 2023. She recently announced that she is cancer free and even went on to elaborate her journey in an interview with Piers Morgan. Navratilova also talked about how Evert’s journey with cancer affected her.

The Czech-American former player said that Evert had a more dangerous diagnosis that she did. “Hers was more of a question of whether she was gonna be okay. I think hers was more dangerous, um, solution-wise. And also, she went for, I think, she had six sessions of it really just beat her up.”

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She continued saying that Evert had a hard time playing even a little tennis. But since Navratilova knew her experience, she could ask her about what she had gone through, knowing that she would get a straightforward and honest answer.

She said, “I knew it was really tough, and I knew what she went through that I could ask her a question, I would get an honest answer. And we both texted, and we also spoke a couple of times, and it was so different. If she hadn’t gone through it, it would’ve been a different situation.”

Navratilova on how Chris Evert’s journey helped her

When asked on whether knowing Evert’s journey helped her, she answered with a resounding affirmation. “It definitely helped. Every little bit helps.”

She went on to explain that there is a lot of ambiguity surrounding how the cancer will affect. No one knows what can make it go over the edge, so having people with a positive mindset around oneself helps. She further goes on to say that it is one of the more essential things regarding the mindset of the individual in that situation.

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“What makes it click the wrong way. Just like you don’t know what makes it click the right way when you are healing when you are trying to kill it and, so, every little bit helps. All the positive energy, it’s so essential to surround yourself with people who give you that energy.”

Both the tennis legends have overcome every difficulty that has tried to push them down. The two are nothing but huge pillars of inspiration to men and women, in general, around the world.