Martina Navratilova became visibly moved while sharing the latest on Chris Evert’s renewed fight against ovarian cancer.
Evert and Navratilova, widely regarded among the finest women’s tennis players in history, built one of the sport’s defining rivalries before their relationship evolved into a deep and enduring friendship.
Both tennis icons have dealt with cancer diagnoses in recent years, and Evert disclosed last month that ovarian cancer had returned for a third time.
Struggling to hold back tears, Navratilova said Evert had only recently begun treatment after receiving the difficult news, but expressed confidence that her longtime friend would pull through.
Navratilova admitted it was painful to discuss, explaining that they learned just before the tournament that the cancer had come back. Still, she stressed that Evert is exceptionally resilient.
Martina Navratilova (left, with Billie Jean King) grew emotional while offering an update on Chris Evert’s latest cancer battle
Evert (left) and Navratilova shared one of tennis’s most famous rivalries before forming a lifelong friendship
Navratilova added that she had spoken with Evert the previous week and was struck by how strong she sounded, calling her friend a true champion.
Fellow tennis icon Billie Jean King was also in the studio and revealed news of her own recent exchange with Evert.
She added: ‘It’s unbelievable. She said: “Billie I might have this six more times, it’s not a death sentence at all”. She’s so brave.’
Balding then said: ‘And I know also that she is watching Wimbledon from afar and she is so invested. She will have been right involved with that women’s semi-final.’
Evert revealed in the days running up to Wimbledon that she had undergone surgery following the return of her ovarian cancer.
The 18-time Grand Slam winner, 71, who has battled the disease previously in 2021 and 2023, shared that she will be taking a step back from her professional commitments as she started chemotherapy.
‘I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,’ she said. ‘This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned.’
Evert was scheduled to attend Wimbledon, but following her heartbreaking diagnosis that plan was shelved.
‘I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks,’ she continued.
‘Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health.
‘Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.
‘I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.’
Evert was first diagnosed with stage 1 BRCA-related ovarian cancer in December 2021. She completed chemotherapy in May 2022, telling the public that her doctor was confident that the disease would not return because it was caught early.
In early 2023, the three-time Wimbledon champion shared that she was in remission. However, just months later she revealed that her cancer had returned.
‘While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,’ she said in a December 2023 statement. ‘I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.’
Evert’s initial cancer diagnosis in January 2022 came two years after she lost her sister to the disease at the age of 62.
Evert, pictured at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, announced later that month that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time
The American, who won 18 Grand Slam titles, in action during the 1981 Wimbledon semi-finals
Meanwhile, Evert’s recent emotional announcement came just days after her Netflix documentary with Navratilova – Chris & Martina: The Final Set – was released.
The pair, whose fierce on-court rivalry was notorious during their playing careers, candidly discussed their joint battles with cancer.
Navratilova was diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer and early-stage breast cancer in January 2023. She received the all-clear from her doctors later that year.
Both Navratilova and Evert won 18 Grand Slam titles during their glittering time on the court.
Evert’s greatest success came on the clay at the French Open, where she triumphed seven times in the women’s singles.
She also claimed victory on home soil at the US Open six times, as well as winning the Australian Open twice in addition to her three Wimbledon titles.
Evert is also a three-time doubles champion – two of which came alongside Navratilova.
