‘Had to Prove That I Wasn’t a Communist’ – Martina Navratilova Describes Stringent Restrictions That Forced Her to Defect to the US

Former Czech-American tennis star Martina Navratilova needs no introduction. After finishing her career as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, she still contributes to the sport. She is one of the most respected commentators and tennis experts, who often provides her opinion during the Grand Slam events.

The 65-year-old is Czech by birth. However, she moved out of her country and shifted to the US at the age of 18. The legend recently narrated how and why she made such a huge decision.

Navratilova had to prove she was not a spy

While playing for her home country, Navratilova had to face various challenges. Unlike other players, she depended on the federation’s permission to travel for the tennis tours.

Things changed when she was not allowed to travel to the US Open. It was at this time that she decided to relocate.

“The federation started putting some restrictions on me with travel. They had to approve my travel. You can’t just go and get a visa and travel and play a tournament. You did not have that freedom in a communist system.”

“So the federation had to let me go and that summer they said no we’re not going to let you go to the US Open even though I was top four in the world at that point. That’s when I realized I had to leave the country so that I would be in control of my destiny, in control of my potential, rather than asking permission to see when I can play and how much I can play,” she said.

Further, she narrated the process she underwent in the US before she got asylum.

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“I went with my manager, Fred Barman, took me to the immigration…service, and filled out all the paperwork. It was late at night. They said don’t say anything to anybody. I had to prove that I wasn’t a communist spy and the next day I was granted the asylum,” she added.

Martina Navratilova about gender inequality in sports in the US

After moving to the US, Navratilova saw a stark difference in the way athletes were treated according to their gender in the country. Unlike in her home country, which was going through political turmoil, it still had equal support for male and female athletes.

Speaking about the conditions in the US, she said that while male athletes had all the support, female athletes were encouraged to act like cheerleaders.

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Apart from this, the 65-year-old was also vocal about the disproportionate prize money given to female athletes. Over the years, the Czech-American legend not only entertained people with her unique playing style but also played her part in the fight for equality.