Martina Navratilova is one person who has had several traumatic experiences in her life. While she has enjoyed blinding glory in tennis, the Czech-American tennis legend had to defect from her country of birth and deal with criticism after she recognized herself as a bisexual, and later as a lesbian athlete. But she was not alone all the time. Her on-court rival, Chris Evert, has been present throughout her struggles. As Navratilova gave a speech on her homecoming to Prague, Evert expressed how happy she was for her former archrival.

During her homecoming speech in the Czech Republic, Navratilova couldn’t help but shed tears. She talked about her happiness at the changes her country implemented, which opened more avenues for the current generation. 

Chris Evert has nothing but praise for her former rival

After being close friends for close to 50 years, Evert has nothing but praise for Navratilova. As the Czech-American player returned to her native country to receive an accolade, her speech made the news around the world. Navratilova was presented with an honor from the Upper House of the Czechia Senate.

Milos Vystrcil, chief of the upper house, said that he felt nothing but proud of Navratilova for achieving her freedom and breaking out of the cage. After her defection to the USA and playing professional tennis regularly, Evert’s rival became a legendary figure in the WTA. 

Proud of her close friend, Evert couldn’t help but congratulate Navratilova along with the world. She tweeted, “Martina’s defection was courageous, especially at such a young age. We forget about the fear and pain she and her family had to go through. This was not an easy decision for her. She chose freedom, to live life on her own terms…huge respect 🙏👍❤️.” 

It was certainly a momentous occasion, as not long in the past, people like Navratilova were maligned by the previous regime. Seeing the incredible changes brought forth by the government made an immediate impact on the 59-time Grand Slam champion.

Martina Navratilova sheds tears during speech

When Navratilova visited her native country to receive a silver medal from the president of the Senate, she couldn’t help but be proud of the way her country had developed. She discussed the options open to the present generation and contrasted them with how challenging it was back then when she had to leave the country in order to compete.

Read more –  ‘Oh, the Little Idiot’ – Martina Navratilova’s Grand Father’s Stunning Reaction Upon Hearing Her Defect to the US

For Navratilova, it was an emotional evening. She gave up her Czech citizenship when she moved to the United States at the just age of 18. Receiving a medal in Czechia pushed her to tears.

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