As the title suggests, this sports documentary centers on tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who faced each other more than 80 times throughout their careers. Their rivalry defined women's tennis in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. This helped both become household names while vastly boosting the popularity of their sport. Needless to say, they inspired future generations of female athletes.
The documentary begins by revisiting the early days of their careers. Chris Evert comes across as a calm, poised individual, whereas Martina Navratilova is portrayed as a player known for her boldness and fierce determination; she defected from communist Czechoslovakia to pursue her dream. Although they came from different backgrounds, tennis was the bond that united them.
Director: Rebecca Gitlitz
Stars: Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Mary Carillo
They were not merely rivals, and that is precisely what *Chris & Martina: The Final Set* makes clear to viewers. Their rivalry sparked both tension and mutual admiration, yet it also led to periods of emotional distance. For Evert, forging a friendship with someone she had repeatedly defeated was no easy task. Meanwhile, Navratilova struggled with the loneliness of feeling like an outsider while simultaneously being a champion.
Through archival footage and video clips, we see Wimbledon finals, key moments from their rivalry, and numerous post-match interviews that perfectly capture the atmosphere of the era. Watching this, one understands why their matches commanded global attention. Much of the credit goes to the fact that they changed perceptions of women's sports.
But *Chris & Martina: The Final Set* goes beyond that. The narrative gradually shifts to the players' personal lives off the court, addressing the various challenges they both faced. For instance, the film covers Evert's ovarian cancer and Navratilova's battles with breast and throat cancer in great detail. I must admit that these are some of the most heartbreaking scenes you will ever see. Since both are facing the same situation, we witness them developing empathy for one another, which further strengthens their friendship. And while it can be sad to watch them battle their respective illnesses, it is equally moving to see them united in this fight against cancer.
However, despite all this, *Chris & Martina: The Final Set* is not without its flaws. I feel that certain aspects of the players' lives were not explored with sufficient depth. For instance, little attention was paid to Navratilova’s defection or the challenges she faced as a gay athlete. Likewise, periods of tension in their friendship were not adequately addressed. That said, this does not mean the creators attempted to present an idealized picture; they covered many topics, yet these particular aspects feel somewhat incomplete.
Even so, *Chris & Martina: The Final Set* is highly recommended for tennis fans, as the aforementioned shortcomings are easily overlooked. The documentary offers a great deal and succeeds in inspiring the viewer, even after all these years.
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