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via Getty

via Getty

The addition of a new member to any family is a cause for immense happiness and celebration. Although it has been a long time since former WTA pro Martina Navratilova tied the knot with renowned artist Julia Lemigova, the couple recently decided to begin their journey of parenthood together. With Chris Evert also becoming a grandmother recently, the old rivals have had a positive few months in their respective personal lives. As the two legends appeared on CNN, Navratilova seemed to be prepared with a cheeky response.

During the interview, Martina Navratilova was seen playfully poking fun at her rival-turned-friend and fellow tennis legend Chris Evert. As the reporter asked, “Both of you have great personal news because you have with your wife adopted Martina, I believe two young boys. Chrissie, you’ve just become a grandmother for the first time. What does that mean to you Martina, I mean, why now?” Navratilova, unleashing her true levels of humor, replied, “I was just following Chris’ footsteps. Now she’s a grandmother and I’m a mom. I need to get my roots down because of the two boys, but it’s been an amazing experience.”

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Navratilova’s hilarious response came shortly after she and her wife, Julia Lemigova, shared the exciting news that they had adopted two young boys. The couple seemed to be overjoyed about the new additions to their family as they revealed it on August 14. “We are over the moon, recognizing the challenges and the rewards for everybody,” Navratilova said in a statement.

This marks Navratilova’s first time as a parent, while her partner Lemigova already has two daughters, Victoria and Emma, from previous relationships. The couple’s journey to parenthood turns out to be powered by an emotional touch, considering Lemigova’s tragic loss of her son, Maximilian, who passed away from shaken baby syndrome when he was five months old.

On the other hand, Chris Evert recently engaged in her new role as a grandmother. After a long time of fighting against a chronic illness, Evert’s life took a joyful turn with the arrival of her grandson, Hayden James. Evert seemed to be excited to spend as much time as possible with him. She also revealed her excitement on social media by posting an adorable picture with her grandchild along with a caption that read, “Oh, yes …..my all-time favorite in Colorado…; babysitting grandson Hayden James….”

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As both the former pros and current commentators embrace joyous moments in their lives, Navratilova’s cheekiness shows that their adorable bond of friendship still prevails.

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Chris Evert as a grandmother—Does this make you feel nostalgic about the golden era of tennis?

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Chris Evert sheds light on friend Martina Navratilova’s generosity

Chris Evert recently shared a heartwarming story about her close friend, Martina Navratilova. During an interview with Christiane Amanpour, Evert revealed how Navratilova made sure she was included in a special moment at the 2024 French Open. According to the initial plan, only Navratilova was set to present the trophy at the ceremony, but she got Evert included there as well, after getting to know that it was the 50th anniversary of Evert’s first French Open title.

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Navratilova went to the French Tennis Federation and insisted that Evert should join her in presenting the trophy. “Chrissie has to present this with me, it’s her day too,” Navratilova suggested, making her heartfelt value for her old friend clear. Evert appeared to be touched by this gesture, as she reflected, “That’s how generous of a friend she was and we both got to present which was great.”

Iga Swiatek claimed her third consecutive title by defeating Jasmine Paolini at the 2024 French Open. The moment became even more special when Swiatek received her trophy from both Evert and Navratilova. As Evert revealed an adorable tale of friendship behind this ceremony, it might create a new example for the budding friendships on the tour.

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