Netflix has released a documentary titled “Chris & Martina: The Final Set” focusing on the lives of tennis icons Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

The film provides a rare look at the intersection of professional competition and personal hardship. By detailing their shared experiences with cancer, the documentary frames the athletes' legendary rivalry as a foundation for lifelong mutual support.

The project premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City in June 2026 [3] before arriving on the streaming platform. The narrative chronicles a relationship that has spanned approximately 50 years [2], tracing the evolution of their bond from fierce competitors to close friends.

Central to the film is their professional era, during which their on-court rivalry lasted nearly 20 years [1]. The production explores how this intense sporting competition shaped their impact on women’s tennis globally.

Beyond the court, the documentary addresses the personal health struggles both women have faced. The film includes footage of their battles with cancer, including the period when Navratilova was diagnosed with the disease for a second time [4].

The documentary aims to highlight how the two athletes navigated the transition from the peak of their athletic careers to facing serious illness. By sharing these vulnerabilities, the film documents the enduring nature of their friendship despite the pressures of world-class athletics.

“The narrative chronicles a relationship that has spanned approximately 50 years.”

The release of this documentary signals a shift in sports storytelling, moving away from purely statistical achievements toward the psychological and physical toll of long-term athletic careers. By centering the narrative on shared cancer diagnoses, the film contextualizes the rivalry of Evert and Navratilova not just as a sporting milestone, but as a study in resilience and the evolution of female friendship in the public eye.