Czechoslovakian-American tennis player Martina Navratilova has been one of the most influential tennis players on the women’s tour. After becoming a pro in 1973, she had to face a lot of trouble and challenges to become one of the greatest players in the game. In an interview, the 18-time Grand Slam champion spoke about the time when she left Czechoslovakia with the support of her father.

Martina Navratilova opens up about leaving Czechoslovakia under terrible circumstances

After reaching the French Open final in 1975, Martina wanted to compete at the US Open. Unfortunately, the Czechoslovakian tennis federation disapproved of her plans. As a result, she was left with no choice, but to leave her country. She left the country in order to pursue her dreams and her father ably supported her decision to flee the country.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Oblivious and So Naive’ – Chris Evert Fondly Remembers an Innocent Martina Navratilova When She Moved to the US

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“They said that I was too Americanized and socialized much like the American players. I talked to my father and said you know I don’t think I want to stay there. He said, ‘I was gonna tell you the same thing.’ But if you do, don’t come back no matter what I tell you on the phone because, we may have a gun to our head when we talk to you on the phone or they certainly be listening to what I tell you. He said, ‘Just go and don’t come back and don’t tell your mother,” Navratilova said in that interview. 

It seemed like the right decision for the Czech player at that time, as she went on to become one of the greatest female tennis players ever. 

The great rivalry between Navratilova and Chris Evert

After coming to the United States, Navratilova developed her game and became one of the best players in the world. At the same time, Chris Evert was dominating the tennis world, and she beat Martina on many occasions. Although Martina lost 15 of their first 18 meetings against Evert, she had an edge over Evert in their overall head-head record at the end of their careers. 

Navratilova holds an overall record of 43-37 against her great rival and friend, Evert. They faced each other 14 times in the Grand Slam finals and the Czech player won 10 of their meetings. Their rivalry grabbed many headlines and dominated the tennis world in the 1970s and 80s. 

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Is Navratilova vs Evert rivalry the best rivalry in tennis? Let us know in the comments.