Chris Evert supporting Navratilova after cancer diagnosis “like she did mine”

03 January 2023 , 18:39

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Martina Navratilova (left) and Chris Evert were former tennis rivals but are now supporting each other in their battles against cancer (Image: AP)

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is being supported by former rival Chris Evert in her battle against throat and breast cancer. Evert, who declared her remission from ovarian cancer in May said she will support Navratilova "like she did mine".

Navratilova, aged 66, won Wimbledon nine times during an incredible career which saw her win 59 major titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The Czech-born American said she has been diagnosed with the two forms of cancers after finding a swollen lymph node in her neck in November.

The tennis star announced her diagnosis in the The Times and vowed to fight the cancer.

She said: "This double whammy is serious but still fixable. I'm hoping for a favourable outcome. It's going to stink for a while but I'll fight with all I have got."

At the time of Evert's diagnosis, Navratilova tweeted: 'We are all with you and behind you Chrissie, you are a true champion and I have no doubt you will conquer this nasty opponent with nary a sweat!'

Tennis great Martina Navratilova diagnosed with throat and breast cancer

Martina Navratilova gets a hug from Chris Evert after beating her in the final 1978 Wimbledon women's singles final

Fellow American Evert, who won 18 women's Grand Slam singles titles, has now shown the same support for her former tennis rival.

She tweeted: 'Thinking of Martina Navratilova today and supporting her journey, like she did mine, with love and prayers. This is a woman who takes on challenges with strength and resilience... You got this, Martina."

A spokeswoman for Navratilova has added that "both these cancers are in early stage with great outcomes".

Martina Navratilova holds the Wimbledon trophy after winning in 1982

The American will no longer travel to this month's Australian Open in Melbourne - where she was due to work as a TV pundit. She is instead expected to make remote appearances from her home in Miami on the Tennis Channel broadcasts.

Navratilova thanked her friends and fans for their support and insisted that she is 'not done yet' .

She tweeted: "Needless to say my phone and Twitter are both blowing up so I will say again - thank you all for your support and I am not done yet. I'm hoping for a favourable outcome."

Benjamin Goddard