via Imago
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Martina Navratilova of the United States smiles during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the […]
via Imago
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Martina Navratilova of the United States smiles during the mixed doubles match between John McEnroe of the United States and his partner Kim Clijsters of Belgium and Martina Navratilova of the United States and Jamie Murray of Great Britain during the Wimbledon No. 1 Court Celebration in support of the […]
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert are one of the best players tennis has ever seen. Moreover, their rivalry is arguably going to serve as the standard for years. They started their career in an era where the crowd didn’t believe in the potential of women’s tennis. From there to the flooding of the ticket counters, they really changed the game. However, with fame came unnecessary hate.
When two players are rivals, their fans cross every limit to drag down showcase the other as the evil. Though some realize their mistakes later, just like the Evert fan who recently apologized for portraying Martina in a bad light in his mind.
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Martina Navratilova interacts with an Evert fan
Shaun Moore, a Chris Evert fan, chose one of Navratilova’s tweets to make his confession. He wrote, “You intimidated me, even through the TV. Honestly, I thought it was good vs. evil when you battled her. And I’m sorry for that. You are a beautiful person and have totally won me over. I am now a huge fan of both you and Chrissy.”
I appreciate it- there was an actual Opinion piece in a Florida newspaper that said exactly that before we played each other in a final that day- good vs. evil…. A really nice guy wrote that- anyway- thank you – better late than later:), we are good!
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 29, 2022
To which the 18 times Grand Slam champion replied, “I appreciate it- there was an actual Opinion piece in a Florida newspaper that said exactly that before we played each other in a final that day- good vs. evil…. A really nice guy wrote that- anyway- thank you – better late than later. We are good!”
The nine times Wimbledon champion was often dragged for her heavy built. Her muscular, not so feminine physique intimidated people. Therefore, they pitied the petite Evert and painted Navratilova as an evil of the story.
Further, when we talk about rivalry, it is just an on-court thing. Both the former World no.1s are beyond friends off-court. They have helped each other in rough times and are still on good terms. The sweetness in their relation also proves how dedicated they were towards the sport and their career.
Navratilova vs Evert
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After losing the 16 out of the first 20 clashes, the nine-time Wimbledon champion discovered her competitive side. The defeats ignited her will to work on herself and her game.
She became stronger than ever and slipped the grass and hard court tournaments out of the Evert’s hands. With her dominant and attacking style of playing, she adjusted herself to speed.
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Watch this story: Martina Navratilova once lashed out at a rowdy spectator for brash behavior during an epic contest against Chris Evert
However, Navratilova couldn’t match the seven times French Open champion’s clay court skills. By the end of Evert’s career, she claimed a 43-37 lead in head-to-head records.
