Who is Martina Navratilova? All the facts and details on the tennis legend

Martina Navratilova is widely seen as one of the greatest tennis players ever. Aside from the game, her larger-than-life personality also put her aside as a prominent activist and author. In this feature, we go into all the details and facts about Martina Navratilova.

Martina's status as a global superstar began rising during her tennis career in the late 70s and 80s. This propelled her to her future success and prominence off the court. She went on to achieve more in tennis than any woman before her while paving the way for more female superstars like Steffi Graf and the Williams sisters.

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Martina Navratilova's biography

She was born in 1956 in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Her father was a ski instructor. Her parents divorced when she was 3. Her stepfather, Miroslav Subert, became her tennis instructor. She has a sister and a brother.

How old is Martina Navratilova?

As of April 2023, Martina Navratilova is 66 years of age. She was born on 18 October 1956.

Martina Navratilova's tennis career

She started her tennis career at the Junior level, winning the national junior championship aged 15 in Czechoslovakia. She began her pro career in 1974, aged 17. She became her era's most dominant female player of her generation, winning 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles. She had a huge rivalry in the 80s with Chris Evert and Steffi Graf. She retired in 2006 at the age of 41.

Martina Navratilova's eye injury

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She started wearing glasses during games in 1984 after her eyesight began to deteriorate. She continued wearing glasses throughout the remainder of her career.

Martina Navratlilova's health

Aside from her eye problems, she has had several other health issues. She was first treated for cancer in 2010. The same year, she suffered pulmonary oedema while on a hiking trip. In January 2023, she was diagnosed with throat cancer. She announced she was free from cancer in March 2023 after radiation treatment.

Who is Martina Navratilova's wife?

She is married to former Russian model and TV personality Julia Lemigova. Martina and Julie got married in 2014 after dating for several years.

Martina Navratilova's books

Martina has authored several books on her life in tennis, among other things she is passionate about. She has also produced books for the children's market.

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What is Martina Navratilova's net worth?

According to Essentially Sport, she is worth an estimated $25 million. Her money comes from winnings during her playing career, endorsements and royalties.

Martina Navratilova and Piers Morgan

Piers Morgan interviewed her in March 2023, where she revealed that she had beaten cancer for the second time. She also talked about how she and her former rival Chris Evert supported each other through their respective battles with cancer.

Martina Navratilova's Twitter

Over the years, she has been vocal on social media in the battle for women's rights and those of the LGBTQ+ community. She also aligns herself with the Democratic party in US politics.

Martina Navratilova's dedication to what she believes in on and off the court has made her one of the most influential personalities in tennis history. She is a true legend of the game and an outspoken believer in human rights.

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