Tennis courts may be arenas of fierce rivalries, but they also serve as the birthplace of lifelong friendships that transcend time and competition. Among these iconic bonds is the one shared by Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Once fierce rivals who went head-to-head in some of the most intense matches in tennis history, the two legends have since become inseparable friends, proving that mutual respect and admiration can outlast even the most heated battles. Now, Navratilova recently took to social media to celebrate her close friend on her special day, and her heartfelt post is a testament to their enduring bond

The rivalry between Evert and Navratilova remained the talk of the tennis town in the 1970s and 1980s. Between 1973 and 1988 Evert and Navratilova played around 80 matches against each other with 60 of them being the finals. Sharing a close bond for over five decades now, the duo have seen each other at their best as well as worst. They geared up for their matches side by side, waited together for matches, ate together at times, and then entered the court together. These moments were enough to turn their rivalry into a close bond as can be seen by Navratilova’s post on Evert’s birthday.

Evert celebrated her 70th birthday on December 21st and witnessed immense tributes pouring in from across the tennis fraternity. Navratilova too, joined the fray and wrote some heartfelt words for her friend. Taking to X, Navratilova wrote, “Happy 70th today to my friend, nemesis, partner and most of all an amazing, strong, resilient and compassionate woman, champion of champions! Lots of love, m. Here is looking at you, kid:) @ChrissieEvert.” Interestingly, Navratilova is not the only person who has shared such a remark for Evert. 

Expressing immense love and admiration for Evert, tennis legend Billie Jean King also shared an adorable post. Sharing a picture of herself with Evert on X, King wrote, “On this day in 1954, a future tennis legend was born! Happy birthday to 18x Grand Slam singles champion, the first woman athlete to be @SInow ‘s sole recipient of the “Sportsperson of the Year” award, and our dear friend, @ChrissieEvert !” And these praises are quite justified. 

Evert proved her mettle on the tennis courts during her playing days. She did not just clinch the No. 1 spot but also amassed 18 Grand Slams in the singles category. Coming back to her bond with Navratilova, Evert has demonstrated an equal admiration and love for her. 

When Chris Evert detailed how Martina Navratilova helped her amidst challenges

Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert did not just share similarities professionally, but in personal lives as well. Both players battled cancer in their lives and like true fighters, defeated their illness depicting immense resilience. But as Evert battled her illness, she witnessed Navratilova, who went through similar challenges once, standing by her side and supporting her in every possible way.

As a cancer survivor herself, Navratilova had crucial insights into the process and was one of the most apt people to help Evert. Expressing the same, Evert admitted, “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.” Continuing further, she opened up about their close bond adding, “If I’m going to go through the trenches, there’s nobody I’d pick more than Martina.”

It’s not every day that rivals-turned-friends inspire such admiration, but Martina and Chris remind us all that respect and connection can flourish even in the most competitive arenas. Will more such moments of their camaraderie gain light? Well, that remains to be seen.