Chrissie & Martina: How Tennis’s Greatest Rivalry Shaped a Dynasty

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The names evoke images of fierce competition, unwavering determination, and unparalleled dominance. Their rivalry, spanning the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, is widely considered one of the greatest in sports history. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about pushing each other to achieve greatness, ultimately shaping the landscape of women’s tennis.

A Tale of Two Titans

Their contrasting styles and personalities only fueled the fire. Evert, the baseline queen, possessed unwavering composure and laser-like precision. Her two-handed backhand was a weapon of consistency, grinding down opponents with relentless accuracy. Navratilova, the aggressive serve-and-volleyer, was a whirlwind of athleticism and emotion. Her left-handed serve and daring net play disrupted Evert’s rhythm, creating a compelling clash of styles.

Adding to the drama were their vastly different backgrounds. Evert, the all-American girl from Florida, and Navratilova, the Czech defector escaping communist rule, represented contrasting worlds. This contrast captivated audiences, drawing more attention to the sport and solidifying their status as superstars.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Statistical Showdown

Their head-to-head record tells a story of back-and-forth battles. Of their 80 encounters between 1973 and 1988, Navratilova held a slight edge, winning 43 to Evert’s 37. However, their Grand Slam finals record was even closer, with Navratilova claiming 10 titles to Evert’s 4.

Here’s a glimpse into their remarkable achievements:

• Chris Evert:
  • 18 Grand Slam singles titles (7 French Open, 6 US Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open)
  • 157 singles titles overall
  • World No. 1 for 260 weeks
  • A career winning percentage in singles matches of 89.97%, the second-highest in the Open Era
• Martina Navratilova:
  • 18 Grand Slam singles titles (9 Wimbledon, 4 US Open, 3 Australian Open, 2 French Open)
  • 167 singles titles overall (Open Era record)
  • World No. 1 for 332 weeks
  • A record 59 major titles: 18 in singles, 31 in women’s doubles, and 10 in mixed doubles

For nearly 12 years after the WTA rankings were introduced in 1975, either Evert or Navratilova held the No. 1 ranking for all but 23 weeks. This dominance highlights their control over women’s tennis during their era.

Defining Moments: Grand Slam Clashes

Their rivalry was defined by epic Grand Slam encounters, each match etching its place in tennis history.

• 1975 French Open Final: Their first Grand Slam final meeting saw Evert triumph in three sets (2–6, 6–2, 6–1), marking the beginning of their legendary rivalry.
• 1978 Wimbledon Final: Navratilova claimed her first Wimbledon title, defeating Evert in a thrilling three-set match (2–6, 6–4, 7–5).
• 1981 Australian Open Final: Evert emerged victorious in another close three-setter (6–7, 6–4, 7–5), showcasing their fierce competitiveness on the court.
• 1984 Wimbledon Final: Navratilova dominated Evert in straight sets, displaying her superior grass-court game.
• 1985 French Open Final: In what is considered one of the greatest women’s Grand Slam finals, Evert battled back to defeat Navratilova in a grueling three-set match (6–3, 6–7, 7–5).

Beyond the Court: A Lasting Friendship

While their on-court battles were intense, their rivalry fostered a deep respect and, eventually, a strong friendship. They recognized that their competition elevated the game and brought more attention to women’s tennis.

“I think the moment we became really good friends was the moment we realized that something was bigger than ourselves individually,” Evert said. “I think you and I looked at each other after, like, 50 matches. We’re like, ‘Whoa, look at that crowd.'”

Their bond has only strengthened over the years, particularly as they’ve supported each other through personal challenges, including their battles with cancer. Their story is a testament to the power of sportsmanship and the enduring nature of true friendship.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova’s impact extends far beyond their impressive statistics and trophy collections. They inspired generations of female athletes, broke down barriers, and elevated women’s tennis to new heights. Their rivalry remains a benchmark for excellence, a reminder that competition can breed greatness and that even the fiercest rivals can become lifelong friends.

Their influence continues to be felt today, with current stars like Serena Williams and Iga Swiatek acknowledging their debt to these trailblazers. As tennis continues to evolve, the legacy of Chrissie and Martina will forever be etched in the annals of the sport.