Martina Navratilova (born October 18, 1956) is a Czech-American former tennis player and one of the sport’s all-time greats. She won 59 major titles: 18 singles, 31 women’s doubles, and 10 mixed doubles, the most in the Open Era.
Dominating tennis in the 1980s alongside Chris Evert, Navratilova held the world No. 1 singles rank for 332 weeks and doubles for a record 237 weeks. Achieving a career “Boxed Set” Grand Slam, she gained U.S. citizenship in 1981 and reclaimed Czech citizenship in 2008.
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Table of Contents
Who is Martina Navratilova?
Martina Navratilova has a net worth of $25 million and is regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players in history. She holds 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 women’s doubles titles, and 10 mixed doubles titles.
Over her career, Navratilova earned approximately $20 million in tournament prizes, which is about $33 million today when adjusted for inflation. Additionally, she secured tens of millions more through endorsements.
Early life
Martina Navratilova was born Martina Šubertová in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Her parents divorced when she was three, and her mother moved the family to Řevnice and later married Miroslav Navrátil, who became Navratilova’s first tennis coach.
Navratilova adopted her stepfather’s surname, becoming Martina Navratilová. She began playing tennis at age seven and won the Czechoslovakia national tennis championship in 1972 at 15. By 1973, she debuted on the U.S. professional tour. Noted for her skill on grass, her early successes included reaching the French Open quarterfinals in 1973.
Career
Martina Navratilova claimed her first professional singles title in Orlando in 1974. By 1975, she was a runner-up at both the Australian Open and French Open and later defected from Czechoslovakia, gaining a U.S. green card. She partnered with Chris Evert to win French Open doubles in 1975 and Wimbledon in 1976.
Navratilova’s first major singles title came in 1978 at Wimbledon, again defeating Evert, becoming the world No. 1. With intense training from Nancy Lieberman, she dominated, winning major titles in 1981, 1982, and 1983, including a 13-match streak over Evert.
Personal Life
In 1981, after gaining U.S. citizenship, Martina Navratilova came out as bisexual in an interview with New York Daily News, revealing her past relationship with Rita Mae Brown. Although she initially requested privacy, the article was published on July 30, 1981.
Later, she clarified her sexuality to Skip Bayless in Dallas Morning News, while her roommate Nancy Lieberman identified as straight. Navratilova later identified as homosexual. From 1984 to 1991, she was in a relationship with Judy Nelson. In 2014, Navratilova married Julia Lemigova, proposing at the U.S. Open.
How did Martina Navratilova know she had throat cancer?
Martina Navratilova first suspected throat cancer during the Women’s Tennis Association finals in Fort Worth, Texas, last November when she noticed an enlarged lymph node in her neck. When it didn’t reduce on its own, she decided to have a biopsy done.
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Conclusion
Martina Navratilova’s story is one of triumph, both on the tennis court and in the financial world. Her net worth of $25 million in 2023 is a testament to her enduring legacy as a champion and a savvy investor – truly, an Ace of Assets.
FAQs about Martina Navratilova
1. How did Martina Navratilova build her net worth?
Martina Navratilova built her net worth through a highly successful tennis career, substantial tournament earnings, endorsements, and strategic investments.
2. Has Martina Navratilova been involved in any business ventures?
While no specific business ventures are widely publicized, Navratilova’s financial success suggests involvement in various profitable investments.
3. How has Martina Navratilova’s personal life influenced her net worth?
Her personal life, including relationships and activism, has shaped her public image but has not directly influenced her net worth, which is primarily based on her professional achievements and investments.
4. What role do endorsements play in Navratilova’s income?
Endorsements have been a significant part of Navratilova’s income, especially during her peak years, adding substantially to her tournament winnings.
5. What is Martina Navratilova’s approximate net worth today?
Martina Navratilova’s net worth is estimated at $25 million, reflecting her successful tennis career, endorsements, and investments.
