As the Wimbledon women’s final approaches, the tennis world finds itself reflecting not only on the emergence of a new champion but also on the enduring legacy of two of the sport’s most iconic figures: Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Their remarkable journeys, both on and off the court, are front and center thanks to the recently released Netflix documentary, “Chris & Martina: The Final Set.” The film, already sparking conversation ahead of Saturday’s final, offers viewers a window into the storied rivalry and evolving friendship between these two Grand Slam titans, while also shining a light on their recent personal battles with cancer.
Between them, Evert and Navratilova boast a staggering 36 Grand Slam singles titles—18 apiece. Evert, known for her steely composure and relentless baseline game, claimed three Wimbledon championships. Navratilova, whose serve-and-volley brilliance redefined grass-court tennis, holds an unmatched record of nine Wimbledon singles titles. Their rivalry, which spanned from 1973 to 1990, was the stuff of legend: they met 80 times, including 60 finals, and faced off in the Wimbledon final nine times out of a total of 16 finals together. Tennis fans still recall those epic encounters, each match a study in contrasts and competitive fire.
But “Chris & Martina: The Final Set” is no ordinary sports documentary. Rather than focus solely on their athletic prowess, the film weaves together the threads of their rivalry, their shared experiences, and their journey from fierce competitors to close friends. It’s a narrative rich in both triumph and vulnerability, capturing the evolution of their relationship against the backdrop of personal and professional challenges.
For many, the documentary’s most poignant moments come in its candid portrayal of Evert and Navratilova’s recent battles with cancer. Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021, bravely sharing her journey with the public. After treatment in 2023, she announced just days before Wimbledon 2026 that her cancer had returned, forcing her to step back from her commentary duties at this year’s Championships. In an emotional Instagram post, Evert wrote, “I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey. This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned my ovarian cancer has returned. I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks. 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.”
Navratilova, meanwhile, has faced her own health crises. She experienced a recurrence of breast cancer and was also diagnosed with throat cancer. The documentary does not shy away from these realities; it shows Evert shaving her head as part of her treatment and captures the emotional moment when she rings the bell to mark the end of a previous round of therapy. Navratilova, preferring privacy during her own treatments, shared updates verbally rather than visually, but her vulnerability is no less affecting.
The emotional toll of these battles was laid bare during a live BBC broadcast on July 9, 2026. Navratilova, joined by Clare Balding, Billie Jean King, and Eugenie Bouchard, fought back tears as the conversation turned to Evert’s third cancer diagnosis. “Chris just started the treatment, third time cancer, she will be OK. It’s tough, I cannot talk about it without crying because we just found out before the tournament that the cancer came back, but she will be OK. She’s tough as nails,” Navratilova said, her voice wavering. “I talked to her last week, she sounded so strong and like I am the weak one here. She’s a champion.”
Billie Jean King, another legend of the game, also weighed in, recounting a recent conversation with Evert. “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.” The outpouring of support from the tennis community has been palpable, with many of the sport’s most important figures rallying around Evert as she embarks on yet another round of treatment.
Despite her absence from the All England Club this year, Evert’s presence is still felt. Clare Balding noted during the BBC broadcast, “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.” Indeed, Evert remains deeply connected to the tournament that helped define her career, even as she focuses on her health.
The documentary also captures the ways in which these shared struggles have deepened the bond between Evert and Navratilova. Navratilova reflected, “During our rivalry we could relate to what the other was going through, but there was always a sorrow when one was celebrating while the other was not. Now, finding ourselves in similar situations has solidified our support for one another.” Their friendship, forged in the crucible of competition and tested by adversity, stands as a testament to the power of empathy and resilience.
Navratilova has used her platform to advocate for health awareness, especially among women. She emphasized in the documentary, “Cancer is not the death sentence it used to be, but the sooner you catch it, the better the outcome.” Her message is echoed in the film’s honest depiction of both women’s experiences—Evert’s openness in documenting her journey, Navratilova’s preference for privacy, and their shared commitment to encouraging others to prioritize their health.
As the Wimbledon finals approach, the tennis world is reminded that greatness is not measured solely by titles or victories, but by the courage to face life’s toughest challenges with honesty, dignity, and compassion. The story of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova is not just one of rivalry and records, but of enduring friendship and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of adversity.
With “Chris & Martina: The Final Set” now streaming, fans and newcomers alike are invited to witness a story that transcends the boundaries of sport—a story of two champions, their battles on the court, and their fight against a far greater opponent. As the next generation of tennis stars takes to the grass at SW19, the legacy of Evert and Navratilova continues to inspire, reminding us all of the strength found in unity, vulnerability, and unwavering determination.
For now, the spotlight remains on Wimbledon’s current competitors, but the echoes of Evert and Navratilova’s journey—both their triumphs and their trials—will surely resonate far beyond Centre Court.