'Did we think this would be us in 50 years?': Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert mark 50 years since first Slam clash

It's been 50 years since the first Grand Slam encounter between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, an emblematic rivalry that blossomed into a deep friendship over the years. They faced each other 22 times in major tournaments, the first being at Roland Garros in 1975, where Evert claimed the title 2–6, 6–2, 6–1.

In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Evert and Navratilova – first rivals and later friends – revisited their friendship and how they pushed each other to be better during their careers.

When legends collide

The rivalry – developed between the 1970s and 1980s – saw a total of 80 encounters, 60 of them in finals, with Navratilova holding a 43-37 advantage by the end of their careers. “Would I have won more if Chris hadn’t been in the way? Probably,” says Navratilova. “But even at the time I knew I was better for having her around. We made each other better. We made each other get better.”

Both players dominated for over 10 years, each winning 18 Grand Slam titles. Between 1975 and 1987, one of the two held the world No. 1 ranking every week, except for 23 weeks. In total, Navratilova spent 332 weeks at No. 1, and Evert 260 weeks.

Evert retired in 1989, and Navratilova followed in singles a few years later in 1994. It wasn't until 2006 that Navratilova finally hung up her racket completely, shortly before turning 50. Their friendship deepened then, participating in tennis events together, serving as commentators at tournaments, and more.

The two legendary ex-tennis players grew even closer over the years. When both passed 60, they faced practically the same situation: a battle with cancer, first Evert and then Navratilova. With their strengthened friendship, they supported each other through chemotherapy processes. When Evert was finishing her first round of chemotherapy, Navratilova received her own diagnosis.

“What do they say? Life is what happens when you’re making other plans,” says Navratilova. “When we were sitting there in 1975—we were so young!—did we think this would be us in 50 years? We did not.”