?It?s Always Hovering? ? Cancer Survivors Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova Compare the Deadly Disease to Tennis as They Remain Wary of Its Threat

The rivalry between tennis icons Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest rivalries, not only in tennis but also in the history of all sports. After their first meeting on the court in 1973, they contested each other 79 more times, with a whopping 60 of those in finals. Over all these years, the bitter rivals became extremely close friends. Apart from sharing monumental success as players and common values in women’s empowerment, these two legends also share another huge trait in their lives – they are both cancer survivors!

Despite getting the better of the disease, both Evert and Navratilova are well aware of its recurrent nature, and know that the cancer can very well make a comeback, as they have revealed in a recent interview.?

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova are mindful of cancer’s recurrent nature

After successful treatment, both Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova were able to overcome cancer to the relief of millions of tennis fans all over the world. However, though cancer-free as of today, they are both aware of the fact that it can come back again, given the recurrent nature of the disease.

While speaking to The Washington Post regarding this, Chris Evert said, “It could come back. Look, it could come back. It’s cancer, right? It’s always peripheral.” Martina Navratilova echoed similar sentiments: “It’s always hovering? You just put it out of sight. You go on with what you’re doing.”

Navratilova even compared this feeling to that of the morning before a Wimbledon final. Every day, when she wakes up in the morning these days after a few peaceful moments of semi-conscious state, the uncomfortable thought, the uneasy feeling strikes again and again – will cancer make a comeback? It is like a throwback to her younger days when she woke up in the morning of a Wimbledon final – full of tension, apprehension and expectation.

But with a huge difference – then, the whole emotion was tinged with an expectation of glory, while now it is a grim question of survival. Having said that, they do have one weapon to fend off the pangs of cancer – each other’s back.

How a disease as lethal as cancer bowed down to the unwavering grit of friendship

In January 2022, Evert learned that she had Stage 1C ovarian cancer. She first confided it to her great friend, Navratilova. She would then embark on 6 grueling cycles of chemotherapy. In December 2022, Navratilova received her own diagnosis: she had not one but 2 early cancers – in her throat and breast.

After multiple surgeries and scorching protocols of radiation, both finally became cancer-free. Their friendship and support for each other were key factors in their recovery process. Once bitter rivals on the court, these 2 great friends joined hands to fight a common enemy – cancer, and emerged victorious.

READ MORE: 50 Years of Battling Life Together, Martina Navratilova Vows to Not Leave Chris Evert?s Side in an Emotional Confession ? ?We?re Going to the Sunset..?

Evert and Navratilova found their lives more intertwined than ever, by an unwelcome enemy, who drew them nearer in mutual understanding. These great champions have conquered innumerable opponents with their tennis rackets during their heydays, but perhaps the greatest victory of their lives came against this dreaded disease, which was made possible with the help of their unfaltering friendship!

WATCH THIS STORY: Chris Evert Looks Back at Her Astounding Rivalry With Martina Navratilova and the Negative Impact of Her 13-Match Losing Streak