Chris Evert, an iconic figure in the world of tennis, has been the focus of a new Netflix documentary titled *Chris & Martina: The Final Set*. The film, which premiered on June 26, delves into Evert’s illustrious career, her enduring rivalry and friendship with fellow tennis legend Martina Navratilova, and the challenges they have faced in their personal lives, including serious health battles.
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Evert’s ascent to tennis fame began in the 1970s, during which she secured an impressive 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Her reign extended from 1975 to 1986, during which she consistently held the world No. 1 or No. 2 ranking. Evert boasts a record that includes being recognised for the highest winning percentage in the sport’s history, a remarkable achievement that highlights her legacy. Evert’s competitive rivalry with Navratilova was a key narrative throughout her career, with their matches drawing significant attention and admiration from fans around the globe.
In a poignant reflection ahead of the documentary’s release, Evert revealed to *Good Morning America* that both she and Navratilova received cancer diagnoses around the same time, which strengthened their long-standing friendship. “All of a sudden, we retire, and we get cancer at the same time,” she noted. This unexpected turn of events underscored the support they provided each other during their individual battles with the disease.
Born into a sporting family, Chris Evert was shaped by her father, Jimmy Evert, a former professional tennis player who became a celebrated coach. He instilled a passion for tennis in Evert and her siblings while fostering a nurturing environment that allowed them to flourish. Evert has often expressed the influence her father had on her development, revealing that his motivation for teaching them tennis was to unify the family rather than solely to create champions.
Evert’s prowess on the court is underscored by numerous accolades, including a record seven French Open singles titles and six US Open singles titles. Her dominance in the sport is further highlighted by her impressive record of 157 career singles titles, placing her second all-time amongst female players. In recognition of her achievements, Evert was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Evert’s personal life has also been tumultuous. She has been married three times, once to fellow tennis player John Lloyd and later to Olympic skier Andy Mill, with whom she has three sons. Notably, her relationship with golfer Greg Norman attracted significant media attention. Evert has expressed regret over some of her choices in personal relationships, revealing in interviews that she has learnt valuable lessons about independence and self-awareness.
The most challenging moments in Evert’s life have come as she faced a cancer diagnosis in late 2021. Following extensive treatment, she shared her relief at being cancer-free a little over a year later. However, she faced further health complications when cancer resurfaced in December 2023, prompting a return to treatment. In a heartfelt announcement in June 2026, Evert confirmed she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer for a third time, vowing to maintain a positive outlook as she continues her fight.
Throughout her post-retirement years, Evert has remained connected to tennis. She has taken on several roles as a commentator for NBC and ESPN, sharing her knowledge and experience with fans and budding players alike. Additionally, she co-founded the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton in 1996, a programme dedicated to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent.
Evert’s commitment extends beyond coaching; she is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She established the Jimmy Evert Merit Scholarship in honour of her father, aimed at helping young players in need and promoting access to tennis in underserved communities. As the chairperson of the USTA Foundation, she advocates for equitable access to the sport that has defined her life.
As she embraces the challenges ahead, Evert continues to find joy in her family life. Grandmother to her son Nicholas’s child, Hayden, she has spoken about how the experience of being a grandparent has brought her immense joy and satisfaction. Evert’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering love for the sport, even as she navigates the complexities of life outside of tennis.