Martina Navratilova is a player who didn’t tie herself to just tennis. She, with Chris Evert, executed a rivalry that strengthened the foundation of women’s tennis. Thus playing her role well in the sport. However, apart from that, the 18 times Grand Slam champion also fought to mend some evil social norms.

Navratilova struggled throughout her entire career to make people understand her thought process. She often received hatred because of her futuristic approach and cutthroat realism. However, she stood firm on her beliefs and that is how she became a formidable gay rights activist. So much so that people voiced against the show that made her dance with a man.

Is dancing with a man an issue for Martina Navratilova?

In an interview, the tennis veteran stumbled upon the question of how it felt to dance with a man on Dancing With the Stars when she would have much preferred a woman. As a response to which she first accepted, “Oh they are extremely beautiful (ladies of the show). It’s intimidating. I mean, they are gorgeous. They also dance so well.”

Thereafter, Navratilova explained that she didn’t mind her partner as well. “I catch myself watching the guy more than the women. I don’t know why. And I love watching my partner. I think it’s sexy as heck.” It’s not a stretch for me to imagine Tony.” She said.

The nine times Wimbledon champion is married to Julia Lemigova. Lemigova, the miss USSR 1990, is a Russian actress and is a part of Bravo reality television series The Real Housewives of Miami.

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After a long love filled relation, in the year 2014, she and Navratilova tied the knot in New York. Further, they are currently parents to Victoria and Emma.

Navratilova’s achievements

The former world no.1 ruled the courts from 70s to the early 2000s. She held the crown of WTA no.1 for a record 332 weeks, which is only second to the German legend Steffi Graf. In the case of titles, she marked 167 singles, 177 doubles, and 15 mixed doubles under her name.

Watch this story: Martina Navratilova gives her opinion on the negative impact of social media

Further, she not only managed to undo the 4-16 record against the seven times French Open champion Chris Evert but also turned the favour of head-to-head record. By the end of Evert’s career, Navratilova had a lead of 43-73.