Martina Navratilova photographed on June 29.
IMAGO/Shutterstock
Chris Evert versus Martina Navratilova is undoubtedly the most fierce and prestigious rivalry in the history of tennis. The two Americans – the second was Czechoslovakian until 1981 – faced each other 80 times between 1973 and 1988, including 60 times in the final (14 in Grand Slams). If Martina Navratilova, 67, dominates her senior by two years in terms of direct confrontations (43 victories for 37 defeats, 36-24 in the final), the two women are linked by an immense complicity. They displayed it on Sunday on the sidelines of Wimbledon, during a meeting with the press.
Smiling, the two old friends, who each have 18 Grand Slam singles titles, recalled some of their old battles, 14 of which took place in the final of a major tournament (10-4 in favour of Navratilova, including five triumphs on Centre Court). They also spoke about their role in promoting the development of women’s tennis, following in the footsteps of pioneer Billie Jean King.
“It’s so ironic to see our two careers, the way we are both rivals and always on the same side of things,” said Chris Evert. Martina and I laugh about it. Of all the places in the world, we chose Colorado and Florida to live. Even after we retired, we had cancer at the same time.”
So often opposed at the peak of their form, the two ex-queens of the circuit were then brought together by illness. “It’s surprising to think that in a sense, this cancer was a blessing, especially because it united us,” said Martina Navratilova. It took us to a whole new level of friendship, understanding and affection.”
“She was such a support to me,” says Chris Evert about his eternal colleague. She came to my house to make me soups or pasta – I’m not a good cook. She took care of me, called me to see if everything was okay. We went through so many trenches in all these matches, all these finals, losing or winning. So now, if once again I have to go through the trenches, I would choose no one other than Martina to do it.”
The latter had a good laugh when lifting the veil on Chris Evert’s personality: “She always seemed clean, prim, but when she had a glass or two of wine, she could tell the dirtiest jokes”, laughed the woman who reigned over women’s tennis for 332 weeks – compared to 260 for her rival.
“Great, thanks for talking about it,” smiled Chris Evert before the discussion moved onto another topic: politics. Actively involved in the American presidential campaign in favor of Joe Biden’s Democratic Party, Martina Navratilova is campaigning, as she always has. Her former opponent, however, is hesitant: “Biden was my choice, but these last few days have been sad, I was depressed watching the debate. I have doubts about both candidates, I don’t have an answer.”
That of Martina Navratilova snaps like one of those net climbs of which she had the secret: “If you vote for Trump, I won’t talk to you anymore.” Chris Evert’s sliced back reply: “I like Biden, I met him and he is a good man, who has done a lot for the country over the last 40 years. But at some point, we want someone sharp.” Counter on the fly: “You think Trump is sharp?” Final comment: “I’m worried about both candidates.”
The start of the storm has passed. Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert, to whom a documentary has just been dedicated, will not manage to get angry for real. Born from the memories of so many common battles, their friendship has a bright future ahead of it. As for the United States…
