Martina Navratilova struggled to hold back tears live on the BBC while speaking alongside Clare Balding, Billie Jean King and Eugenie Bouchard. The conversation came in the wake of Coco Gauff's three-set defeat to Czech star Karolina Muchova in the Wimbledon semi-finals, though the discussion quickly moved beyond the match itself.
With so many of women's tennis' most influential figures gathered together, one familiar face was missing. Chris Evert was absent and is not attending Wimbledon this year as she concentrates on her treatment after being diagnosed with cancer for a third time.
Navratilova's Emotional Tribute
"It gives us a moment to talk about Chris Evert and we know what a struggle she is going through right now with the cancer having come back again," Balding explained. "I watched the documentary with you two [Evert and Martina]. We do send our [love] I know you [Martina].."
Visibly emotional, Navratilova fought back tears as she said: "Chris just started the treatment, third time cancer, she will be OK. It's tough, I cannot talk about it without crying because we just found out before the tournament that the cancer came back, but she will be OK.
"She's tough as nails. I talked to her last week, she sounded so strong and like I am the weak one here. She's a champion."
Billie Jean King's Support
Billie Jean King then shared her own recent conversation with Evert: "It's unbelievable. She said: 'Billie I might have this six more times, it's not a death sentence at all.' She's so brave."
Balding then discussed the influence Evert's legacy is having on the current tour, adding: "And I know also that she is watching Wimbledon from afar and she is so invested. She will have been right involved with that women's semi-final."
Evert's Health Journey
Just days ahead of Wimbledon, Evert, 71, revealed that she had undergone surgery after her ovarian cancer had returned. Champion-turned-pundit Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021, with the disease returning in 2023.
Taking to Instagram at the time, the three-time Wimbledon champion wrote: "I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey. This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned my ovarian cancer has returned.
"I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
"Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health.
"Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.
"I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone very soon."
