‘You Guys Are Pathetic’- When Martina Navratilova Expressed Frustration Over the ‘Sc*m’ English Press for Invading Her Privacy

Martina Navratilova, in the 70s and 80s, was at the peak of her prowess on the tennis court. Subsequently, she was also at the center of attention, particularly for the press. The paparazzi traced her every move. However, the intrusion of the press once got too much for Navratilova to handle. Especially in 1984, when she was with her new partner, Judy Nelson. The 59-time Grand Slam champion retorted at the British media for overreaching.

Despite being one of the most popular stars at the time, she, like everyone else, valued her privacy. And when that was threatened by the British media, she was forced to react strongly.

Martina Navratilova lashed back at the invasive paparazzi

The tennis legend was playing at Wimbledon in 1984. When she was staying with her new partner Judy Nelson in a rented townhouse in Wimbledon village, the paparazzi started encroaching on her personal space. They stayed on her lawns for hours to get a picture of the couple and invaded her privacy. However, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion did not ignore it. She lashed at the media and called them ‘sc*m’ for trying to invade her privacy.

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After her victory in the initial rounds, Nelson had blown kisses to her from the courtside. The media was more enthusiastic about that gesture than the crowd, which infuriated the Czech-American player. She smiled at them and said, “You guys are pathetic.” In the post-match press conference, she started with a shocking decision. Navratilova had decided to not take part in all British tennis events except Wimbledon.

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She said, “I love the people here and I love playing here.” Additionally, she did not hide the reason behind it and said, “But I have decided that the harassment I have been getting here is not worth it, and I should not subject myself to it.”

Navratilova, then and now

The Czech-American player was always true to herself. She knew that her stand and identity would not please a lot of people, but she embraced that fact. She continued to thrive in her field and focus on things that brought her happiness. Even now, the former world no.1 leads a blissful life with her partner Julia Lemigova.

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Apart from that, she utilizes Twitter’s platform for expressing her views, which again, does not sit right with many of her followers. However, that is how the player has always presented herself and she still continues to do so.