Netflix has released a new documentary titled "Chris & Martina: The Final Set," chronicling the lives of tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.
The film debuted on June 26, 2026.
Directed by Rebecca Gitlitz, the documentary explores the complex relationship between the Hall of Fame athletes. They finished their careers tied at 18 major singles titles each.
The production took an unexpected turn when Evert faced a recurrence of ovarian cancer during filming.
She had been initially diagnosed in 2022, while Navratilova underwent treatments for throat and breast cancers in 2023.
Health Challenges Take Center Stage
Evert noted that the unfolding medical challenges provided a completely transparent look at their ongoing health struggles. "It was more authentic," she said.
"Now, they're going to get the real deal."
The health crisis escalated in late June when medical updates forced Evert to miss her scheduled commentating appearances at Wimbledon.
She revealed that an abnormal CT scan suggested the ovarian cancer may be back, and surgery was recommended.
Following exploratory surgery in Florida, Evert updated fans via social media about her next phase of treatment.
"Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle," she said.
Evert expressed gratitude for her support network, saying, "I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement."
She added that she looks forward to seeing everyone again soon.
The documentary aims to challenge the traditional structure of modern, athlete-controlled sports films by exposing raw personal moments.
One scene shows Evert's son shaving her head during chemotherapy.
"There's no BS in this film," Evert said.
Navratilova reflected on the unpredictable nature of their diagnoses, having previously overcome breast cancer in 2010 before facing a recurrence in late 2023.
"It could have been me, and it was her," she said.
She emphasized the importance of early detection and genetic testing, noting that Evert discovered her condition after her sister Jeanne died of ovarian cancer in 2020.
"It's such a crapshoot," Navratilova said.
"Russian roulette in a way, because you can die and through no fault of your own.
You get cured only because of where it is, what it is, when they find it.
And the cure is much better the sooner you find it," she added.
Archival Footage and Honest Portrayal
The film uses historical archival footage to explore their 80 head-to-head matches. Navratilova held a narrow 43-37 advantage after trailing early in their careers.
Navratilova noted that she was only really close friends with players who could never beat her.
The documentary reveals how archival interviews captured an era of intense, unpolished interactions between the two competitors.
When both women received clear medical scans during a joint screening session, the deep bond forged through decades of competition became undeniable.
Navratilova described them as "bound souls."
Industry executives noted that the filmmakers deliberately avoided sanitized narratives common in contemporary athletic biographies.
John Skipper, former chief executive of ESPN, said, "It's not a formula to get great filmmaking."
Skipper explained that the project succeeded because it moved beyond standard archival sports recaps.
"It's a formula to draw an audience, but this was a bit of a return to making documentaries that are about something that transcends sports," he said.
