Martina Navratilova is a legendary Czech-American former professional tennis player, widely celebrated as one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history. Her remarkable career began in the early 1970s when she won her first national championship at just 15 years old. By 1975, she had defected from Czechoslovakia, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 1981. Navratilova’s professional journey is marked by an astounding 332 weeks as the world No. 1 in women’s singles, a record that includes seven year-end No. 1 finishes. She also dominated women’s doubles, holding the top ranking for 237 weeks.

Throughout her illustrious career, Navratilova amassed an unprecedented 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, including a record 59 major titles. Her achievements include winning nine Wimbledon singles titles, the most in history, and completing a career Grand Slam in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, a feat known as the “Boxed Set.” Notably, she won six consecutive singles majors from 1983 to 1984 and holds the best single-season winning percentage of 98.8% in 1983.

Navratilova’s influence extended beyond her on-court success; she was a pioneer in fitness and training techniques, revolutionizing how athletes prepare for competition. Her rivalry with Chris Evert defined women’s tennis in the 1980s, showcasing the sport’s competitive spirit and drawing significant attention to women’s athletics.

After retiring from full-time competition, Navratilova continued to impact the sport through coaching, commentary, and activism. She has authored several books and remains a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and health awareness. Her legacy is not only defined by her records but also by her contributions to the sport and society, making her a true icon in tennis history.