Chris & Martina: The Final Set (2026)
„Chris & Martina: The Final Set“" is an emotional documentary that tells the story of two of the greatest tennis players in history - Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Directed by Rebecca Gitlitz, a two-time Emmy Award winner, she builds not just a sports documentary, but a human story about rivalry, friendship and the strength to move forward despite life's toughest trials. The world premiere took place at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, 2026, and from June 26 the film is available exclusively on Netflix. The production is American and was realized by EverWonder Studio and Sweet Relief Productions.
The documentary follows the decades-long rivalry between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, two legends who changed women's tennis forever. From their first matches in the 1970s, to their record-breaking 80-match on-court rivalry, to the forging of an extraordinary friendship outside of the game, the story reveals how fierce competition gradually gave way to mutual respect. The narrative reaches its most emotional moment when the two champions face a new challenge - an almost simultaneous diagnosis of cancer. Rather than focusing solely on their sporting successes, the film shows how their shared struggles bring them even closer and transform the former rivals into true supporters.
At the center of the story are themselves Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who participate with candid interviews and personal memories. The archival footage is complemented by the stories of famous figures from the world of tennis, including John McEnroe, Pam Shriver and Zina Garrison, which provide valuable context for one of the greatest sporting rivalries of all time. It is this combination of personal confessions and historical footage that makes the film much more than a traditional sports documentary.
Rebecca Gitlitz chooses a calm and unobtrusive storytelling style, placing human stories before statistics and sporting achievements. Rather than focusing solely on legendary finals and titles won, the film explores the emotions behind fame – the pressure of high expectations, the cost of success and the way time changes relationships between people. The result is a sincere and moving portrait of two women who were long considered tennis’ greatest rivals, but who found a friendship off the court that proved stronger than any victory.
After its premiere, "„Chris & Martina: The Final Set“" received very good reviews from critics. The film was praised for its emotional honesty, rich archival material, and balance between sports history and personal drama. While some reviewers noted that certain moments in Martina Navratilova's life could have been explored in more depth, the general opinion is that the documentary succeeds in showing why the relationship between the two champions remains one of the most inspiring stories in the world of sports.
„Chris & Martina: The Final Set“" is much more than a tennis documentary. It is a story about respect, forgiveness, friendship and the strength of the human spirit. Whether you are a sports fan or simply enjoy well-told biographical stories, the film offers an emotional and inspiring experience that reminds you that the greatest victories are not always achieved in the sporting arena.
