Documentary Chronicles Decades-Long Relationship
Netflix's new documentary, Chris & Martina: The Final Set, offers an intimate look at the extraordinary bond between tennis icons Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. The film traces their journey from fierce rivals on the court to close friends supporting each other through cancer treatment. Evert was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, while Navratilova revealed she had breast and throat cancer in 2023.
From Friendship to Rivalry and Back
The documentary covers the evolution of their relationship: the early friendship and doubles partnership, a period of estrangement when Evert focused on her career, and their eventual reconciliation as they became joint international treasures. The film features interviews with other tennis stars, including Pam Shriver and Zina Garrison, who were overshadowed by the Evert-Navratilova duopoly, as well as John McEnroe.
Navratilova's Defection Story
While the documentary highlights their bond, it touches on Navratilova's daring defection from communist Czechoslovakia in 1975 at age 18. She faced the possibility of never seeing her mother or sister again and the threat of abduction by Soviet or Czech security forces. The film suggests that the women's tennis community became an alternative family for Navratilova, perhaps experienced differently by Evert, who is straight, and Navratilova, who is gay.
Critical Reception
The film is described as highly watchable, making a strong case for genuine friendship and sportsmanship in professional sports. However, it leaves some complexity unexplored, as the dual storyline slightly tilts away from Navratilova's more dramatic defection narrative. British pop-culture references, such as BBC commentator Dan Maskell calling Navratilova “the best lady player we’ve ever seen” and the Duchess of Kent presenting the Wimbledon trophy, add charm for UK viewers.
Chris & Martina: The Final Set is available on Netflix from 26 June.
