Chris Evert has explained her decision to end a successful doubles partnership with Martina Navratilova in 1976. The move came as their rivalry intensified and Evert sought to protect her focus on singles tennis.
Evert said in a CNN interview that Navratilova had begun to know her game too well through their doubles practice. She told Navratilova directly that she could no longer continue as doubles partners.
The pair had won two major doubles titles together, including Wimbledon in 1976. They were scheduled to compete as a team at the 1976 US Open, but Evert withdrew to concentrate on singles, where she claimed the title.
Navratilova later confirmed the split, noting that Evert had prioritized her singles ranking. Their rivalry produced 80 matches overall, including 14 Grand Slam finals.
A Netflix documentary titled Chris & Martina: The Final Set is scheduled to premiere on June 26 after its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10.
