Tennis legend Chris Evert has penned an emotional tribute to her longtime rival-turned-friend, Martina Navratilova, as the Czech-American icon celebrates her 69th birthday.
Tennis great Chris Evert has celebrated her close friend and former rival Martina Navratilova with a heartfelt tribute on her 69th birthday.
Evert, who shared one of the fiercest rivalries in tennis history with Navratilova, posted a touching message on Instagram on Saturday, October 18, calling her “a great friend” and wishing her love and joy in life.
“Happy Birthday to my former rival, current great friend @martinanavratilova. Wishing you lots of joy and love in your life going forward, because with a heart as big as yours, you deserve it!
,” Evert wrote.
Between 1973 and 1988, Evert and Navratilova faced each other 80 times, including 60 finals, with Navratilova narrowly leading their head-to-head 43–37.
Both legends won 18 Grand Slam singles titles each, with Evert holding the World No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks and Navratilova for 332 weeks.
At the 2025 Tennis Hall of Fame ceremony, Navratilova reflected on their enduring bond during an interview with Andy Roddick. “We call here and there, and we text… Usually, we’re sending each other tips on what shows to watch on Netflix,” she said, revealing they are currently working on a documentary about their friendship and rivalry.
Reflecting on their past, Navratilova added, “It had all those aspects — respect, like, hate, rivalry — but most of all, respect that never went away.”
She fondly recalled her first Wimbledon victory in 1978, saying, “Chris was so sweet… If I had to lose to anybody, I’d rather lose to Chris than anybody else.”