Martina Navratilova will celebrate her 70th birthday on October 18, reflecting on a legacy that transcends tennis. Her aggressive serve-and-volley play and commitment to fitness changed the landscape of women’s tennis, propelling her to the top of the sport. Beyond the court, Navratilova has made her mark as a sports commentator and social advocate, known for her authenticity and resilience. She describes herself humorously as “a bit of a geek” who has diverse interests such as woodworking and flying, and cites actress Katharine Hepburn as an inspiration for her strength and individuality. “Tennis has given me everything,” she has stated, continuing to inspire fans globally.
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In 1975, during a tournament in Sydney, a teenage Navratilova interacted with immigrant children, marking the beginning of a significant journey. Later that year, after losing in the US Open semifinals, she chose to defect from Czechoslovakia to seek asylum in the United States, a decision she described as making everything afterward feel like “a piece of cake.”
Navratilova captured her first Wimbledon singles title in 1978 at the age of 21, defeating Chris Evert. This victory not only began her record of nine Wimbledon titles but also marked her rise to WTA World No. 1 for the first time, despite her family's absence during this bittersweet moment. She and Evert would face each other 80 times, with Navratilova leading the rivalry 43-37, ultimately forming a lasting friendship.
In 1985, Navratilova and Pam Shriver celebrated their 100th doubles match win in Eastbourne, solidifying their status as the most successful duo in women's tennis history, with 20 Grand Slam titles among 79 total titles. Navratilova holds the record for 177 career doubles titles.
After a decade away, she returned to Prague in 1986 as part of the U.S. Fed Cup team, where her participation delighted Czech fans despite the team's loss to the home side. She regained her Czech citizenship in 2008 and was honored with the Order of the White Lion, the country’s highest civilian award, in 2025.
Retiring from singles in 1994 at Madison Square Garden with a remarkable 1,442 match wins and 167 titles, Navratilova was finally joined by her parents for the emotional occasion. She often reflects on her career, suggesting she might have become an architect or engineer had she not pursued tennis.
In 2006, she won her last Grand Slam title at the US Open, partnering with Bob Bryan in mixed doubles, just weeks before her 50th birthday. This victory illustrated her innovative training and nutritional approach.
Returning to London in 2013 for the WTA’s 40th anniversary, she reconnected with Jana Novotna, a fellow Czech champion whom she supported during breast cancer treatment in 2010.
Coming out as one of the first openly gay athletes in 1981, Navratilova has been a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ rights, even at the cost of some sponsorships. In 2014, she married Julia Lemigova and became a stepmother. The couple adopted two boys in 2024, and according to Navratilova, this family life has been her greatest joy.
As a Legend Ambassador at the 2018 WTA Finals, she collaborated with fellow champions like Billie Jean King, expressing pride in supporting the WTA Foundation’s ACEing Cancer initiative, a cause close to her heart as a two-time cancer survivor.
Navratilova remains a respected television analyst for outlets like the Tennis Channel and the BBC, and continues to motivate others through speeches around the world. In 2026, she celebrated as Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, participating in a nostalgic exhibition match.