Written by Aanya Mehta

Martina Navratilova is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with a record-breaking career spanning four decades. From winning nine Wimbledon singles titles to redefining athletic preparation in women's tennis, her achievements extended far beyond the court. But her story also includes a courageous decision to leave Czechoslovakia, her role as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport and a continued commitment to causes beyond tennis. (wikimedia commons)

Her 1983 Season Was Almost Unmatched: In 1983, Navratilova won 86 of the 87 singles matches she played, finishing the season with a winning percentage of approximately 98.9 per cent. The extraordinary run remains one of the most dominant seasons in the Open Era. Her success reflected not only technical skill but also a systematic approach to conditioning, nutrition and mental preparation that helped influence how professional tennis players trained. (wikimedia commons)

She Became a Trailblazer for LGBTQ+ Visibility in Sport: Navratilova publicly acknowledged that she was gay in 1981, when openly LGBTQ+ athletes faced significant prejudice and professional risks. Her decision to live openly made her an important figure in the fight for greater acceptance in sport. Beyond tennis, she has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare and environmental causes. Her legacy therefore encompasses not only her extraordinary sporting records but also her willingness to challenge discrimination and speak out on issues she believes in. (wikimedia commons)

She Defected From Czechoslovakia at 18: In 1975, Navratilova defected from Czechoslovakia to the United States while competing at the US Open. At just 18, she sought greater freedom and opportunities to pursue her tennis career, after authorities in her home country restricted aspects of her professional life. Her decision was a turning point that came with personal costs, as her family remained in Czechoslovakia. She became a US citizen in 1981 and later had her Czech citizenship restored in 2008. (wikimedia commons)

She Returned to Grand Slam Tennis Near 50: After stepping away from regular singles competition in 1994, Navratilova continued playing doubles and later returned to the tour. At the 2004 Wimbledon Championships, aged 47, she became the oldest woman in the Open Era to win a singles match. In 2006, shortly before her 50th birthday, she won the US Open mixed doubles title with Bob Bryan, ending her Grand Slam playing career with another major victory. (wikimedia commons)

She Won 59 Grand Slam Titles Across Three Events: Navratilova's achievements extended well beyond singles. She won 31 Grand Slam women's doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles titles, bringing her total across the three disciplines to 59. Her partnership with Pam Shriver was particularly successful: together, they won 79 titles and recorded a 109-match winning streak in doubles. These accomplishments established her as one of the most versatile champions in tennis history. (wikimedia commons)

She Won Wimbledon Singles Nine Times: Navratilova holds the record for the most Wimbledon women's singles titles, having won the championship nine times between 1978 and 1990. Her dominance on grass was built around an aggressive serve-and-volley game, exceptional movement and relentless fitness. She also won 18 Grand Slam singles titles overall, completing a career Grand Slam by winning all four major tournaments. (wikimedia commons)