‘Going to Go There One Day’ – Martina Navratilova Opens Up About Having the ‘Great American Dream’ as a Kid
Follow Us
Martina Navratilova is one of the tennis legends who rose to the top despite battling hardships during her career. Her country did not have the best social or political conditions which, in turn, affected the sport.
Navratilova talked about her experience of growing up and pursuing tennis as a career in Czechoslovakia which was under Russian rule. She emphasized on trying to finding ways to move out of the country.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Martina Navratilova on growing up in Russian controlled Czechoslovakia
Martina Navratilova has had one of the most glorious tennis careers in the world. Millions have looked up to her for her resilience and tenacity. However, the Czech-American legend did not have the liberty of building her career in the most peaceful country. She talked about how tennis was her escape out of the country.
Trending
‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia
May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT
Coco Gauff Soars to New Heights With $5.3 Billion Worth Sponsor as She Announces Delightful Sneaker Surprise for Fans
May 04, 2024 07:30 PM EDT
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s Nail-Biting Madrid Final Forces Chris Evert to Break Her Long-Drawn Silence With a Stirring Message
May 04, 2024 10:39 PM EDT
Who Is Andrey Rublev’s Tennis Playing Girlfriend Anastasija Homutova? Everything to Know About Their Long-Term Relationship
May 03, 2024 01:30 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Joins Iga Swiatek in Giving a Cold Shoulder to Coco Gauff as WTA Big 3 Debate Rages On
May 03, 2024 05:11 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
She said, “Tennis changed for me, not because the Russians came in as much as just the possibility of tennis getting me out of the country was really crystallized.”
Navratilova’s passion for tennis led her to the USA
The former world no. 1 knew that getting out of the country was only possible if she did well enough in tennis.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
She said, “I was exposed to the Western culture early on, so we knew what was out there and what the possibilities were. And playing tennis I knew, if I was good enough, would allow me to get outside of the country.”
Martina Navratilova gained asylum in the US at the age of 18. Subsequently, she went on to become the world no. 1 and won 18 grand slam titles and 59 combined major titles.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Others In The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis
Her rivalry with another world-renowned player, Chris Evert, is worth-mentioning, as both players were pivotal in enhancing the popularity of the sport.
Edited by:
Tony Thomas