An emotional moment unfolded during the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage when tennis legend Martina Navratilova struggled to hold back tears while discussing longtime friend and rival Chris Evert’s latest battle with ovarian cancer.
During coverage of the women’s semi-finals, presenter Clare Balding paused the tennis discussion to send support to Evert before asking Navratilova how the 18-time Grand Slam champion was coping after recently revealing that her cancer had returned for a third time.
Fighting through her emotions, Navratilova explained that Evert had only recently begun treatment but remained optimistic about her recovery.
She admitted the news had been difficult to process after learning shortly before Wimbledon that the disease had returned.
Lifelong Friendship Built on One of Tennis’ Greatest Rivalries
Although Navratilova and Evert spent years competing against each other in one of the most celebrated rivalries in women’s tennis, their relationship evolved into a deep friendship that has lasted decades.
Navratilova described Evert as exceptionally resilient, recalling a recent conversation in which her friend sounded remarkably strong despite facing another round of treatment.
She said Evert displayed the same determination that defined her legendary playing career, adding that she believed the American would overcome this latest challenge.
Billie Jean King Praises Evert’s Remarkable Courage
Fellow tennis great Billie Jean King, who joined the BBC panel, also shared details of a recent conversation with Evert.
According to King, Evert approached the diagnosis with remarkable optimism, telling her that even if the cancer returned multiple times, she refused to view it as a death sentence.
King praised her friend’s bravery and unwavering spirit in the face of another difficult health battle.
Clare Balding added that despite being unable to attend Wimbledon this year, Evert remained fully engaged with the tournament from home and continued following the action closely.
Third Cancer Diagnosis Forces Wimbledon Absence
In the weeks leading up to Wimbledon, Evert announced that medical scans had confirmed the return of her ovarian cancer.
The diagnosis came after CT and PET scans revealed the recurrence, prompting immediate surgery as the first stage of treatment.
The American tennis icon explained that chemotherapy would follow, forcing her to withdraw from her planned appearance at Wimbledon and temporarily step away from her broadcasting and professional commitments while focusing on recovery.
Despite describing ovarian cancer as a relentless disease, Evert said she intended to remain positive and determined throughout treatment.
She also expressed gratitude to her medical team, loved ones and the many supporters who had offered encouragement.
A Battle That Began Several Years Ago
Evert’s fight against cancer first became public after she was diagnosed with stage 1 BRCA-related ovarian cancer in late 2021.
Following surgery and chemotherapy, she completed treatment in 2022, with doctors expressing confidence after the disease had been detected early.
She announced she was in remission in early 2023, only for the cancer to return later that year.
At the time, Evert again emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged others to understand their family’s medical history and seek prompt medical advice whenever necessary.
Her original diagnosis came just two years after the death of her sister, who lost her own battle with ovarian cancer at the age of 62.
Shared Cancer Journeys Featured in New Documentary
Evert’s latest announcement arrived only days after the release of the Netflix documentary Chris & Martina: The Final Set, which explores both her friendship with Navratilova and their individual health battles.
The documentary follows the pair as they reflect on their historic careers while speaking openly about facing cancer later in life.
Navratilova herself was diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer and early-stage breast cancer in early 2023 before successfully completing treatment and receiving the all-clear later that year.
Two Icons Who Defined Women’s Tennis
Beyond their personal friendship, Evert and Navratilova remain among the most accomplished players in tennis history.
Each captured 18 Grand Slam singles titles during extraordinary careers that transformed the women’s game.
Evert’s greatest success came at the French Open, where she won seven singles championships, while she also collected six US Open titles, three Wimbledon crowns and two Australian Open trophies.
She also enjoyed success in doubles, winning three Grand Slam titles, including two alongside Navratilova—further highlighting a partnership that ultimately became just as memorable as their fierce rivalry across the net.
