Martina Navratilova fought back tears live on the BBC during a discussion about Chris Evert's third cancer diagnosis. Speaking with Clare Balding, Billie Jean King, and Eugenie Bouchard after Coco Gauff's semi-final loss to Karolina Muchova, Navratilova struggled to maintain composure when the conversation turned to Evert's absence from Wimbledon this year due to her ongoing treatment.
Emotional Tribute to a Champion
Balding initiated the topic, saying: "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." Navratilova, visibly emotional, responded: "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."
Navratilova added: "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 Shares Hopeful Words
Billie Jean King then shared her own recent conversation with Evert, noting: "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 highlighted Evert's continued involvement in tennis despite her illness, stating: "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, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, has been undergoing treatment for cancer for the third time. Her absence from Wimbledon this year has been noted by many in the tennis community, who have sent their support.
