Ep 15. Unmatched (Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern)

Unmatched is the fifteenth episode of the first season of ESPN's documentary series, 30 for 30. This episode is directed by Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern and showcases the friendship between two of the world's greatest female tennis players of all time, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

The documentary sheds light on the intense rivalry between Chris and Martina, who dominated women's tennis during the late 70s and 80s. Their rivalry was not just limited to the tennis court, but it also became a symbol of the greater societal and cultural conflicts between America and Eastern Europe during the Cold War era.

The documentary includes interviews with both Chris and Martina along with their family members, friends, coaches and journalists, who covered their matches. The archival footage of their matches and press conferences bring back the memories of their fierce battles and show how the two were unmatched in the history of tennis.

The story of their rivalry begins in 1973, when Chris and Martina first met at a tournament in Akron. At that time, Chris was already a Grand Slam champion and was considered one of the best players in the world, while Martina was just 16 years old and relatively unknown. However, Martina defeated Chris in the final of that tournament, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would span over 80 matches and more than a decade.

Their rivalry not only transformed women's tennis but also became a symbol of the greater societal conflicts between America and Eastern Europe. Chris, who represented the traditional American values of conservatism and sportsmanship, was seen as the all-American girl, while Martina, who defected from Czechoslovakia in 1975 and openly discussed her sexuality, was viewed as the outsider, representing the liberal values of the West.

The documentary also explores the friendship between the two players, which was often overshadowed by their intense rivalry. Despite their fierce competition on the court, they had a deep respect for each other and shared a bond that went beyond tennis. They even played doubles together and won several titles, which showcased their chemistry and camaraderie.

The documentary also examines how their rivalry paved the way for women's tennis and how they were the pioneers in terms of prize money, global popularity, and media coverage. They were both trailblazers who changed the face of women's tennis forever.

In conclusion, Unmatched is a compelling documentary that explores the rivalry and friendship between two of the greatest female tennis players of all time. The film sheds light on the cultural and societal contexts of their rivalry and highlights how they changed the face of women's tennis and paved the way for future generations of female tennis players. The archival footage and interviews with both players make this a must-watch for any tennis fan.