CHRIS & MARTINA: THE FINAL SET – Review by Lois Alter Mark
I can sum up my reaction to Chris & Martina: The Final Set, Netflix’s new documentary about two of the greatest tennis players of all time, in two words: Love, love.
Over the course of 15 years, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova played a record-setting 80 matches against each other, living out one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. But what makes their competition so inspiring and documentary-worthy is not just the pinnacle of excellence these athletes reached but the deep friendship that resulted from it and the way the two women are still there for each other all these years later as they fight a common enemy: cancer.
Director Rebecca Gitlitz tells a riveting story, going back in time more than half a century to 16-year-old Evert’s US Open debut. “Everyone thinks she’s cute,” says tennis legend, Billie Jean King, in the film. “Well, let me tell you, you didn’t have to play her.”
When Navratilova comes on the scene a couple of years later, the two become fast friends, dominating women’s tennis as well as the headlines. The two couldn’t have been more different – Evert was considered America’s sweetheart, Navratilova was a tomboy from the Czech Republic – but they recognized and respected the talent and work ethic in each other, and a lifelong friendship began. In between, there were years of drama when they didn’t talk to each other, but the fact that they were able to get through those rough patches says so much about them as both individuals and friends.
I grew up watching the two of them compete but had no idea about what was going on behind the scenes. I was amazed to learn that Evert was one of only three people who knew that Navratilova was planning to defect after the US Open and I found it fascinating when Navratilova says, “I can play someone and then go to dinner with them afterwards, win or lose” but Evert “could only be close friends with people she knew could never beat her.”
Gitlitz uses classic footage of some of their most competitive matches and the points are as thrilling now as they were back then. “A good rivalry between two players makes each of them better and also helps make the sport better,” explains John McEnroe.
After their historic tennis careers were over, both women shockingly ended up with cancer diagnoses; Evert with ovarian cancer, Navratilova with breast cancer and cancer of the throat. The two turned to each other for support because, in many ways, they were truly the only ones who could understand everything the other was going through.
It’s sobering to see Evert and Navratilova so vulnerable as they go through treatment and testing, especially because they rarely let their emotions show on the court. Sure, Navratilova was fiery but she was all about strength and would never reveal her weaknesses. And, of course, “Chrissie” Evert was often referred to as the Ice Maiden.
Even if you’ve never watched a tennis match, it’s impossible not to be deeply moved by these two women. Gitlitz aces the film’s most important contribution, which, according to 22-time Grand Slam champion, Pam Shriver, is that it proves that true sportsmanship really exists. And that’s a lesson we all need to learn now more than ever.
