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Evert and Navratilova Reunite for Netflix Film That Recasts a Rivalry as Lasting Friendship

The film reframes their decades-long competition as a friendship that reshaped public views of female athletes by spotlighting their cancer survivorship.

Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova speak during an interview with Reuters in New York City, U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova speak during an interview with Reuters in New York City, U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova smiles during an interview with Reuters in New York City, U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Tennis legend Chris Evert attends an interview with Reuters in New York City, U.S., June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Overview

  • The Netflix documentary "Chris & Martina: The Final Set" premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10 and will begin streaming on Netflix on June 26.
  • Directed by Rebecca Gitlitz, the film traces a 15-year on-court rivalry that evolved into a close friendship after both players retired.
  • Both champions faced cancer in the early 2020s and say those health battles deepened their bond and became a central theme of the film.
  • Evert and Navratilova have appeared together in New York and on national television to promote the documentary and to urge cancer screening and early detection.
  • The film highlights how their duels and public personas helped change expectations for female athletes and could broaden their cultural legacy for new audiences when it streams later this month.