Born: 1956 (Prague, Czechoslovakia)
Biography:
Martina Navratilova (Czech: Martina Navrátilová [marcna navraclova] (listen); née Šubertová [ubrtova]; born October 18, 1956) is a Czech–born American former professional tennis player. Widely considered among the greatest tennis players of all time, Navratilova won 18 major singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles, and 10 major mixed doubles titles, for a combined total of 59 major titles, the most in the Open Era. Alongside Chris Evert, her greatest rival, Navratilova dominated women’s tennis in the 1970s and 1980s.
Martina Navratilova was born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Her parents divorced when she was three years old, and her mother, an accomplished gymnast, tennis player, and ski instructor, moved the family to evnice. In 1962, her mother Jana married Miroslav Navrátil, who became her first tennis coach. It was during this time that Martina took the name of her stepfather, thus becoming Martina Navrátilová.
Navratilova’s talent for tennis was evident from a young age. She began her junior tennis career in Czechoslovakia and quickly gained recognition for her skills. In 1973, at the age of 16, she won her first major international tournament, the Czechoslovakia International Championship. This victory marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious professional career.
In 1974, Navratilova made her breakthrough into the international tennis scene. She won her first major title at the Swiss Open, defeating the reigning Wimbledon champion, Chris Evert, in the final. This victory propelled her to stardom and set the stage for the legendary rivalry between the two players.
Navratilova’s dominance in women’s tennis extended throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for a total of 332 weeks, second only to Steffi Graf. Additionally, she held the top spot in doubles for a record 237 weeks, making her the only player in history to have achieved this feat in both disciplines for over 200 weeks.
Known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style, Navratilova won a total of 167 top-level singles titles and 177 doubles titles, both of which are Open Era records. She also achieved a record six consecutive singles majors across 1983 and 1984 while simultaneously winning the Grand Slam in doubles. Her outstanding performance in 1983, with a winning percentage of 98.8% (going 86–1 for the season), remains the best professional season winning percentage to date.
Navratilova’s success was particularly evident at Wimbledon, where she reached the singles final 12 times, including nine consecutive years from 1982 through 1990. She won the Wimbledon singles title a record nine times, a feat unmatched by any other player in history. Navratilova’s dominance on grass courts solidified her reputation as one of the greatest players of all time.
In addition to her singles success, Navratilova also achieved remarkable results in doubles and mixed doubles. She won a total of 31 major women’s doubles titles and 10 major mixed doubles titles. Navratilova is one of only three tennis players, along with Margaret Court and Doris Hart, to have accomplished a career Grand Slam in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, commonly referred to as the career Boxed Set.
Navratilova’s impact extended beyond her on-court success. In 1975, at the age of 18, she asked the United States for political asylum and was granted temporary residence, which led to her being stripped of her Czechoslovakian citizenship. She became a US citizen in 1981. In 2008, Navratilova acquired Czech citizenship, becoming a dual citizen, while maintaining her US citizenship.
Furthermore, Navratilova has been an openly lesbian since 1981 and has been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her courage, both on and off the court, has made her an influential figure in promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.
Throughout her career, Martina Navratilova left an indelible mark on women’s tennis and continues to inspire future generations of athletes. Her remarkable achievements, unwavering determination, and dedication to her principles have secured her a place among the sporting legends of all time.
Awards:
– 18 major singles titles
– 31 major women’s doubles titles
– 10 major mixed doubles titles
– 59 major titles in total, the most in the Open Era
– World No. 1 in singles for a total of 332 weeks
– World No. 1 in doubles for a record 237 weeks
– 167 top-level singles titles, an Open Era record
– 177 doubles titles, an Open Era record
– Set the record for the best professional season winning percentage with 98.8% in 1983
– Longest all-surface winning streak of 74 straight match wins
– 9-time Wimbledon singles champion, a record unmatched by any other player
– Career Grand Slam in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, also known as the career Boxed Set