How Cancer-Survivor Evert Helped Navratilova During Her Time Of Need

| by Nurein Ahmed

Martina Navratilova made a public confession of the steadfast support she received from her old rival and good friend Chris Evert during her fight against cancer.

Navratilova, winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, was diagnosed with throat cancer in January. As she underwent tests on her throat, an unrelated early-stage breast cancer was discovered. The tennis icon, who works as a pundit, took time away from tennis-related commitments to focus on a rigorous treatment plan.

In late March, Navratilova announced that she was cancer-free in an emotional interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV. The 66-year-old has now opened up on the unwavering support she received from her former WTA rival, Chris Evert, during the challenging couple of months at the turn of the year.

Navratilova and Evert have shared the tennis stage 80 times - 60 of which were in finals. Their rivalry transcended women's tennis and is synonymously known as the most prolific rivalry in tennis. But their cordial relationship and respect off the court is often understated.

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Evert beat ovarian cancer earlier this January after a year-long battle just when Navratilova embarked on treatment of her own. Navratilova shared heartfelt details on the TODAY show of how Evert gave her a shoulder to lean on during the most challenging phase of her life.

"Physically, it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. I almost get PTSD when I come to New York (because) several weeks of treatment were here.

"Chris and I went through the same thing essentially emotionally, and we spoke to each other and realized how much that mentality that champions mentality helped us get through this. You have to stay positive in the moment. You have to stay in the solution."

"We have just been so intertwined. I was there for her when Chris went through it, and then she was there for me. It was amazing. There was like a (thing) where when I was really feeling at my lowest — there was Chris either a text or call."

Navratilova & Evert To Have Documentary That Has Been 'Decades In Making'
Navratilova & Evert To Have Documentary That Has Been 'Decades In Making'

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