Sporting Icons : Martina Navratilova- Tennis legend's great feats & video

 

Martina Navratilova is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) and the United States. Born on 18th October 1956 , she is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, known for her remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport. Navratilova's career and impact on tennis are noteworthy for several reasons:Dual Citizenship: She was originally from Czechoslovakia but later became a naturalized American citizen.

Achievements: Navratilova's career spanned from the 1970s to the 2000s, during which she achieved a remarkable 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam doubles titles, and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.

 Here are some of her key accomplishments:

Achievements:

1. Grand Slam Titles: Martina Navratilova won a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including 9 Wimbledon titles, 4 US Open titles, 3 Australian Open titles, and 2 French Open titles.

2. Doubles Dominance: She was equally, if not more, successful in doubles and mixed doubles. She won a staggering 31 Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.

3. Longevity: Navratilova's career spanned over three decades, a testament to her enduring excellence. She remained competitive well into her 40s.

4. Record No. 1 Ranking: She held the world No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles, solidifying her status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Playing Style:

1. Versatility: Navratilova was known for her versatile playing style. She excelled on all court surfaces (grass, clay, hardcourt) and in both singles and doubles, a rarity in tennis.

2. Serve and Volley: Her serve-and-volley style was one of her trademarks. She had a powerful serve and was known for her aggressive net play, making her a dominant force at the net.

3. Athleticism: Navratilova's athleticism and speed on the court were exceptional. She covered the court with remarkable agility, allowing her to retrieve and return shots effectively.

4. Left-Handed Advantage: Being left-handed gave her a unique advantage, as her opponents were less accustomed to facing many  left-handed players.

5. Mental Toughness: Navratilova's mental toughness and competitive spirit were essential to her success. She rarely cracked under pressure and was known for her fighting spirit on the court.

Rivalries 

Martina Navratilova had significant rivalries with both Chris Evert and Steffi Graf during her tennis career. Her rivalry with Chris Evert is one of the most iconic in tennis history. They faced each other numerous times in the late 1970s and 1980s, with contrasting playing styles—Navratilova's aggressive serve-and-volley game and Evert's baseline consistency. Their matches were legendary and contributed to the popularity of women's tennis. In 80 meetings Martina has an edge of 43-37 over Chris Event 

Navratilova's rivalry with Steffi Graf came later in her career, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Graf was known for her powerful baseline game and speed, while Navratilova was transitioning out of her prime. Nevertheless, they had competitive matches, and it showcased the changing dynamics in women's tennis as Graf took over as the dominant force.  Martina & Graf were tied at 9-9 in their career meetings. 

Martina had another great rivalry with a young Monica Seles . In their 17 meetings , Seles won 10 matches to 7 won by Martina .

Both rivalries ( Evert & Graf) played a significant role in the history of women's tennis, with Navratilova being one of the sport's all-time greats.

Social Activism: Beyond her on-court achievements, Navratilova has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. She came out as gay in the early 1980s and has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ causes.Influence: She inspired many future tennis players and had a significant impact on women's tennis. Her influence extended beyond her playing career.

Martina Navratilova's legacy in tennis is defined by her incredible record of victories, adaptability, and her influence on future generations of players.

Watch the below video in which there are aglimpse of Wiimbledon finals won by Martina & narrated by Chris Evert. 

**Video courtesy: Wimbledon