Rivals, Friends, Survivors: How Two Tennis Legends Came to Understand Each Other In Ways Nobody Else Could

Initially crossing paths as teenagers in 1973, tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilov quickly became friends but eventually split apart as each battled to be No. 1 in the sport. On the court, the duo couldn’t be more different. Evert was described as having a restrained conventional demeanor, while Navratilova was her inverse, a gustily emotional volleyer.

Despite their contrasting personalities and playing styles—and the intense battles they waged on and off the court—Evert and Navratilova developed a deep bond, coming to understand each other in ways no one else could.

In this intimate conversation, the two tennis icons reflect on their shared experiences (including simultaneous battles with cancer) and their enduring friendship that has lasted over five decades.

Read the full story by the incredibly talented sports columnist and author Sally Jenkins here