Martina Navratilova is regarded as one of the greatest tennis athletes in the history of the sport. In a gracious career of more than 3 decades, the Czech-American reached peaks of the game that remain untouched by the majority of the players. Dissecting Navratilova’s career, the former World No. 1 dominated the tour in 2 phases. Dominating the 80’s and the 90’s, she announced her retirement in 1994. Being out of the tour for 6 years, she made a comeback in 2000 to play doubles.

Going back in time, in 2003, Navratilova indulged in a candid conversation with a media house. During the conversation, she opened up about the moment which sparked her comeback to the game after 6 years.

What made Martina Navratilova come back to the game?

Looking at the records till 1994, the legendary player had won a total of 18 Wimbledon titles: 9 Singles, 7 Women’s Doubles, and 4 Mixed Doubles titles.

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Needless to say, the Championships was undoubtedly one of the most successful tournaments for Navratilova. Recalling the reason behind making a comeback, she admitted that it was because of Wimbledon that she decided to return to the game.

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“The strange thing is that I had absolutely no regret when I ‘retired’. I had a great life away from the court. I didn’t miss tennis at all. And then I agreed to commentate at Wimbledon. Oh boy, that’s when the old bug started to bite. I got the itch again,” she said.

Making a comeback at 43 years of age, Serena was amongst the oldest players on the tour. Understanding her age, she restricted herself from playing singles. However, being more motivated than ever, the Czech-American player marked her presence in the doubles. In 2003, she partnered with Leander Paes, lifting trophies at the Australian Open, and Wimbledon. Additionally, in 2006, she further partnered with Bob Bryan to lift the US Open Crown. However, despite the three wins, she credited Wimbledon for her comeback.

“I knew I was in good shape and that I could at least handle myself well in doubles. To have not come back would have been such a waste of an opportunity and talent. So blame it on Wimbledon! Everything mushroomed from there…,” Navratilova added.

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Announcing her retirement in 2006, Navratilova rightly had one of the most gracious careers in the history of the tennis game to look back to. At the end of her career, she had a total of 59 Grand Slam titles: 18 singles titles, 31 women’s doubles, and 10 mixed doubles. She also held the top spot in the rankings for a whopping 332 weeks.