‘Can Go and Lift Weights’ – When Martina Navratilova Inspired Others at WTA Tour to Strive for Fitness

American tennis legend Martina Navratilova is one of the most respected tennis players in the world. Even after a long time since her retirement, she remains connected to the game.

Navratilova was the trailblazer of fitness for the WTA tours. She was the one who brought in fitness as an aspect for the female tennis players. Going back in time, the Czech-American player, revealed her fitness regime.

Martina Navratilova inspires fellow tennis players to work harder

When it was not very popular for women to work out and build muscles, Navratilova broke the stereotype. As she started achieving the results, it also became popular in news. Here’s what Navratilova had to say about it back then.

Read more: ‘Never Got the Feeling She Was Panicked or P***ed Off’ – When Martina Navratilova Drew Parallels Between Monica Seles and Chris Evert

”They can all do the things I do, they can go out there and run on the track, they can go and lift weights. They can go and play basketball, full-court one-on-one, for an hour to get in shape, they can eat the right foods and practice three or four hours a day, they can do all those things. There is not anything that I do that anybody else cannot do,” she said.

It is interesting that when we look back in history, a brave decision one individual makes way for change to the entire society. Today, health and fitness is an important part of WTA professionals. Navratilova definitely deserves applause for defining health and fitness for Women players.

Navratilova speaks about the importance of having rivalries

The rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert was a treat to watch. Over the years, the rivalry thing has vanished in the WTA tour. After the Era of Evert and Navratilova, there was Venus and Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova. However, in the past 10 years, the tennis world has not seen a profound women’s rivalry.

Speaking about the same, the 65-year-old pointed out that it might be because of the transition phase in women’s tennis. Further, she explained that rivalries not only entertain the fans but also bring out the best in a player.

Watch This Story:  Rise of a Superstar – Iga Swiatek’s victorious moments on the WTA tour

She also gave an example of men’s tennis, which is ruled by the big three. Concluding that we can have stars without rivalry, but to have superstars, rivalry is essential.