Legendary Czech-American tennis player Martina Navratilova has undoubtedly been one of the most outspoken tennis players in history. Often, she takes to social media and expresses her feelings about certain matters. Back in 1981, when there was no social media, she had to face the wrath of society after she opened up about her sexuality.

In an interview back in 2010, she talked about losing many sponsors due to her coming out. Despite all the criticism, she did not stop and continued her journey as a tennis player.

Martina Navratilova talked about losing sponsors during her coming out in 1981

After having her first sexual experience with a woman, Navratilova felt, “OK, I guess I am gay. My life is going to be a lot more complicated. I may lose some ­sponsors. I may alienate some fans but I am not going to deny my true nature.” 

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In 1981, she publically acknowledged her sexuality. As a result, she had to face a lot of adversity on the tour. Moreover, she lost around $10 million worth of sponsorship deals, including clothing sponsors.

She mentioned designing her own clothes when she won her 9th Wimbledon title because she lost her clothing sponsors. Moreover, she suffered from jeerings and boos from the crowd. Despite all that, she did not change her personality and remained true to herself and undoubtedly became one of the best tennis players in history.

A look at Navratilova’s statistics as a tennis player

Martina Navratilova was famous for her serve and volley game, which is most suited for grass-court tennis. Hence, she won the Wimbledon Championships a record nine times in her career; only Roger Federer has come close to her record by winning it 8 times.

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Along with nine Wimbledon titles, she also won the French Open two times, the Australian Open three times, and four US Open titles. In total, she won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, the fifth most in the history of women’s tennis. Apart from that, she also won a staggering 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, the most in history.

The former tennis great played till almost 50 years old and finally retired from tennis in 2006 at the age of 49. Before that, she became the oldest player to win the mixed doubles title at the US Open. Due to her amazing statistics and longevity, many still believe that she is the true GOAT of tennis.

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