With each passing day, the sporting world is becoming more and more competitive. Nowadays, not only is the pride at stake but also millions of dollars in prize money that is associated with almost every big tournament. Tennis is no exception and the monetary aspect in it has grown by leaps and bounds. During the playing days of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, the players used to earn just a small fraction of what the players earn nowadays. Earlier today, Evert highlighted this aspect, as she signaled a massive shift in the relationship between the players.

Talking about Evert, she was best of friends with her greatest rival, Navratilova. However, this isn’t the case among the current crop of players, who put it all out on the court to earn top rewards. During a conversation with CNN earlier today, Evert pointed out why the players today don’t share great camaraderie anymore.

She mentioned, “In our days, it wasn’t a big business. There wasn’t a lot of prize money. Women’s tennis was just warming so we all had camaraderie and we traveled together like in a pack and now it’s a big business. You’re talking like millions and millions and millions of dollars of prize money, endorsements, appearances, and these teams are constructive like 5 and 6 people now. Everyone really sticks to themselves now.”

Take the example of the likes of Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. Although they have come up against each other on multiple occasions and share mutual respect, there is no visible camaraderie between them. However, this wasn’t the case with Navratilova and Evert, as the latter once shared a special note on their friendship.

Chris Evert on friendship with Martina Navratilova: ‘We’re even closer than we were’

Not only were Evert and Navratilova good friends on the court but also off the court. The two even remained close to each other during their cancer battles, which was a highlight of their strong bond. Last year, the WTA celebrated the 50th anniversary of its inception and Tennis Channel released a special tribute video on Evert and Navratilova, two of WTA’s greatest stars.

In that video, Evert talked about the special bond she shared with Navratilova, saying, “There was a real camaraderie. There when you’re in your late 20s or early 30s. I think you realize you’ve become secure enough with yourself. That you realize it’s not affecting your individual legacy. If anything, it’s adding to it and it’s a legacy in itself. Once I had gotten to that point, we formed a great friendship. And even to this day, we’re even closer than we were when we were competing.”

The duo has gone down as one of the greatest rivals-turned-friends in the sporting history. They have set an example for budding players to dominate the sport but with grace.