Martina Navratilova Gets Emotional on BBC While Sharing Chris Evert’s Inspiring Cancer Battle Update

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA struggled to hold back her emotions as she issued a health update on tennis legend Chris Evert.

The American icon was diagnosed with for a third time in her life.

Chris Evert has started treatment for ovarian cancer Credit: Getty Martina Navratilova got choked up giving an update on Evert’s health Credit: BBC

Evert and Navratilova enjoyed a remarkable rivalry throughout their tennis careers.

Despite being rivals on the court they became firm friends after they had retired from the sport.

Navratilova has had her own battles with cancer and gave an update on Evert’s condition on the BBC.

The Czech-American started to choke up as she revealed that Evert had started her treatment.

She also insisted that Evert is tough as she needs to be in order to beat the disease.

She said: “Chris just started the treatment, third time (with) 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.”

The conversation came after was beaten by three sets to new finalist Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals.

Evert revealed her diagnosis last month Credit: AP

Navratilova was joined by fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King in the BBC Studio.

King insisted that Evert is a fighter as she revealed her own exchange.

She added: “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.”

Presenter added: “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.”

Last month, Evert revealed that her ovarian in a post on .

Navratilova, left, and Chris Evert were rivals during their playing days Credit: Getty They became lifelong friends after their careers Credit: Getty Evert won Roland Garros in 1985 Credit: Getty Evert has worked as a commentator on tennis events Credit: Getty

She admitted that she had already had surgery and will remain “optimistic” over her chances.

She wrote: “I have always believed in being open and honest about my journey.

“This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that 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 again soon.”

She was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021, and completed chemotherapy in May 2022.

Evert won Wimbledon twice in her playing days Credit: Corbis – Getty Navratilova has insisted that Evert is a ‘champion’ Credit: Reuters

In December 2023, she announced that she had been diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer, which she again overcame.

Evert is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with three Wimbledon titles, two Australian Opens, seven wins at the French Open, and six at the US Open.

She was married to British tennis star John Lloyd from 1979 to 1987.

Evert has been a regular pundit for the BBC and other broadcasters since retiring in 1989.