For decades, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova defined one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Now, a new Netflix documentary is shining a light on what happened away from the tennis court.
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Chris & Martina: The Final Set is scheduled to premiere June 26 and examines the remarkable relationship between the two tennis legends, whose rivalry evolved into a close friendship spanning more than 50 years.
According to PEOPLE, the documentary revisits Evert and Navratilova's historic battles during the 1970s and 1980s, when they faced each other 80 times, including 60 finals matches. Together, they helped elevate women's tennis and became two of the sport's most recognizable figures.
But the film also focuses on something far more personal.
Both women have battled cancer in recent years. Evert was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, while Navratilova faced breast cancer and later throat cancer. The documentary reportedly follows their journeys through treatment, recovery and the support they provided one another during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Director Rebecca Gitlitz told PEOPLE that the project became increasingly intimate as filming progressed, particularly after Evert experienced a recurrence of her cancer and allowed cameras to document portions of her treatment.
The documentary also aims to raise awareness about cancer screening and early detection, a cause both women reportedly embraced while participating in the project.
For sports fans, the film offers a look back at one of tennis' defining rivalries.
For everyone else, it appears to be a story about friendship, resilience and two champions navigating challenges far greater than any match.
Chris & Martina: The Final Set begins streaming on Netflix on June 26.
