Martina Navratilova, a legendary figure in the world of tennis, has an estimated net worth of $25 million. Known for her dominance on the court, Navratilova’s career spans numerous achievements and accolades, making her one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. This article delves into Navratilova’s earnings, wealth, career, and personal life, providing a comprehensive overview of her journey in professional tennis.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Martina Navratilova was born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Her parents divorced when she was three, and she was raised by her mother, an accomplished tennis player and all-around athlete, and her stepfather Miroslav Navratil, who became her first tennis coach. Navratilova began playing tennis regularly at the age of seven and quickly showed promise. By 15, she had won the Czechoslovakia national tennis championship. In 1973, at the age of 16, she made her debut in the United States Law Tennis Association, although she did not yet turn professional.
Professional Career
Navratilova won her first professional singles title in Orlando, Florida, in 1974. The following year, she was runner-up at both the Australian Open and the French Open. In 1975, she made a pivotal decision to defect from Communist Czechoslovakia and received a green card from the United States, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1981.
Early Success
Navratilova experienced early success in doubles matches. She teamed up with the world number one player, Chris Evert, to win the French Open women’s doubles title in 1975 and Wimbledon in 1976. Her first major singles title came in 1978 at Wimbledon, where she defeated Evert, making her the number one ranked player by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). She retained the ranking the following year with another victory over Evert at Wimbledon in 1979.
Dominance in the 1980s
The early 1980s marked the peak of Navratilova’s career. She won her third major singles title by defeating Evert at the Australian Open in 1981. In 1982, she captured both the French Open and Wimbledon titles. Training with basketball player Nancy Lieberman significantly improved her fitness and mental approach, making Navratilova the most dominant female player in the game. In 1983, she won three of the four major titles, losing only the French Open. From 1982 to 1984, she lost a total of only six singles matches, achieving the best winning percentage for a post-1968 professional player.
Navratilova’s dominance continued with 13 consecutive victories over her rival Chris Evert. Her remarkable performance during the early and mid-1980s remains one of the most impressive runs in women’s tennis history. In 1985, she played in the French Open against Evert in what is considered one of the best women’s matches of all time, although she lost. Despite this, Navratilova maintained her dominance on grass, hard, and indoor courts.
Later Career and Rivalries
The mid-1980s saw the emergence of 16-year-old German Steffi Graf, who challenged Navratilova’s supremacy. Despite Graf’s dominance in the late 1980s, Navratilova remained competitive, often ranking second behind Graf. Her final Grand Slam singles triumph was in 1990. Although she retired from full-time competition soon after, she continued to play in doubles matches and occasionally competed on the singles circuit. She returned to tennis in 2000, becoming the oldest-ever major champion by winning mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon with partner Leander Paes.
In total, Navratilova has won 167 top-level singles titles and 177 doubles titles. She holds numerous records and is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Career Earnings
During her career, Martina Navratilova earned around $20 million in tournament prizes alone, which is approximately $33 million when adjusted for inflation. Additionally, she earned tens of millions more from endorsements, solidifying her financial success in the sport.
Personal Life
In 1981, Navratilova came out as bisexual in an interview with the New York Daily News. Despite requesting the reporter not to publish it until she was ready, the article was published, leading her to confirm her bisexuality in a subsequent interview with the Dallas Morning News. She has since come out as a lesbian.
From 1984 until 1991, Navratilova was in a long-term relationship with Judy Nelson. Their break-up was highly publicized due to a televised palimony lawsuit. Later, Navratilova began dating Julia Lemigova, whom she proposed to in September 2014 at the US Open. The couple married in December 2014.
Navratilova is vocal about various causes, including LGBTQ rights. In 2000, she received the National Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign. She is also a strong opponent of Communism and has made numerous public statements against it.
Navratilova has faced controversy for remarks regarding transgender athletes, which led to her removal from the advisory board of the LGBTQ athlete advocacy group Athlete Ally. In 2021, she became a leader in the Women’s Sports Policy Working Group, formed in response to President Joe Biden’s executive order mandating blanket inclusion for trans women athletes.
Legacy and Impact
Martina Navratilova’s legacy extends beyond her impressive career statistics. She revolutionized women’s tennis with her aggressive playing style, exceptional fitness, and mental toughness. Her contributions to the sport have inspired generations of athletes. Navratilova’s influence is also felt in her advocacy for social issues, particularly LGBTQ rights, making her a prominent figure both on and off the court.
Conclusion
Martina Navratilova’s net worth of $25 million reflects her extraordinary talent, strategic career moves, and enduring impact on tennis. From her early days in Czechoslovakia to her rise as a global tennis superstar, Navratilova’s journey is a testament to her skill, determination, and resilience. Her financial success, coupled with her contributions to tennis and society, underscores her status as one of the most influential figures in the sport.
As Navratilova continues to advocate for various causes and remains involved in the tennis world, her legacy remains a beacon of inspiration. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance, hard work, and the ability to overcome challenges, making her a true icon in the world of tennis.
