Overview
Martina Navrátilová was born Martina Subertová in 1956 in Prague, then part of Czechoslovakia. She rose to international prominence after leaving her country in the 1970s and later became a Czech-American citizen. A celebrated retired professional, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in tennis history and was ranked World No. 1 for an extended period.
Career and playing style
Navratilova combined exceptional athleticism with an aggressive serve-and-volley approach, unusual for women's tennis at her peak. Left-handed and highly fit, she emphasized conditioning and net play, transforming training expectations for future generations. Her adaptability allowed her to excel on grass, hard courts and indoors, while excelling in both singles and doubles.
Major achievements
- Grand Slam singles titles: 18 — including a record nine Wimbledon singles crowns.
- Total major titles across singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles: widely cited as 59, reflecting remarkable longevity and versatility.
- Extended tenure at the top of the rankings, cementing her status as a dominant force in the 1970s and 1980s.
These accomplishments stand alongside numerous tour titles and decades of competitive success that influenced coaching, fitness and tactics in the sport.
Rivalries and notable matches
Her rivalry with Chris Evert is often called one of the greatest in tennis, producing high-stakes matches across surfaces. Those contests showcased contrasting styles—Evert's baseline precision against Navratilova's net aggression—and helped popularize women's professional tennis worldwide.
Personal life, activism and health
Navratilova has been openly lesbian and an active advocate for LGBT rights. She married Julia Lemigova in 2014. In early 2010 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery, after which she continued public work in sport and health awareness.
Legacy and later work
After retiring from full-time competition she remained visible as a coach, commentator and ambassador for tennis. Her influence is seen in modern fitness programs, the prominence of serve-and-volley tactics among all-court players, and the increased visibility of LGBT athletes. Navratilova's records and advocacy contribute to a lasting legacy in sport and public life.
Selected topics for further reading
- Detailed career statistics and match records.
- Analysis of the Evert–Navratilova rivalry and its cultural impact.
- Her role in promoting athletic conditioning and doubles strategy.