Martina Navratilova is a former Czechoslovakian and American professional tennis player who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 Grand Slam doubles titles. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. Navratilova was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, and moved to the United States in 1975. She has since become an American citizen and is currently working as an analyst for ESPN as well as a coach for the San Antonio Stars of the WNBA. Navratilova is also an avid philanthropist, having established her own charity, the Martina Navratilova Foundation.
Early Life of Martina Navratilova
Navratilova was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1956. She began playing tennis at the age of four and by the time she was 15, she was the Czechoslovakian National Champion. After winning the Federation Cup in 1975, Navratilova defected to the United States. She quickly rose to prominence in the tennis world, winning her first major singles title at the French Open in 1982.
Navratilova was known for her aggressive style of play, which usually consisted of powerful serves and an attacking net game. She was also an exceptionally strong doubles player, having won 31 Grand Slam doubles titles during her career. She was also a very successful mixed doubles player, having won 10 Grand Slam titles in that discipline.
Navratilova’s Professional Career
Navratilova’s professional career spanned four decades. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including three Wimbledon titles, four US Opens, and two French Opens. She also won 31 Grand Slam doubles titles, including nine Wimbledon titles and seven US Open titles. She also won four mixed doubles titles at the US Open.
Navratilova held the World No. 1 ranking for a total of 332 weeks, which is the longest of any player, male or female. She was also the oldest female to be ranked No. 1 in singles, at the age of 33. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2000.
Martina Navratilova’s Personal Life
Navratilova is openly lesbian and has been in a relationship with Julia Lemigova since 2014. Navratilova has two children, both of whom she adopted as single parents. She is also an avid philanthropist, having established the Martina Navratilova Foundation, which works to provide educational and athletic opportunities for underprivileged children.
Navratilova’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million, and she is also active on social media, with over 140,000 followers on Instagram.
Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She has won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam doubles titles, and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. She is also an avid philanthropist, having established her own charity, the Martina Navratilova Foundation. Navratilova is also active on social media, with over 140,000 followers on Instagram.