Challenges Faced by Martina Navratilova: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Martina Navratilova's life and career.

Martina Navratilova, a Czech-American former professional tennis player, is considered one of the greatest of all time. She held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for 332 weeks and in doubles for a record 237 weeks. Navratilova amassed an Open Era record of 59 major titles: 18 in singles, 31 in women's doubles, and 10 in mixed doubles, along with 167 top-level singles titles and 177 doubles titles. Her nine Wimbledon singles titles remain an all-time record. She, alongside Chris Evert, dominated women's tennis during the 1980s.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1975: Runner-up at Major Singles Tournaments and Defection to the U.S.

In 1975, Martina Navratilova was the runner-up at the Australian Open and the French Open. After losing to Chris Evert in the US Open semifinals in September 1975, she defected from communist Czechoslovakia. Also, in 1975, Navratilova teamed with world number one Evert to win the French Open women's doubles title.

1975: Sought Political Asylum in the United States

In 1975, at the age of 18, Martina Navratilova, originally from Czechoslovakia, sought political asylum in the United States and was granted temporary residence.

April 1981: Double Bagel Loss to Evert

In April 1981, Chris Evert defeated Martina Navratilova in the finals of the Women's Tennis Association championships, held on clay at Amelia Island, 6–0, 6–0.

September 1982: Acute Toxoplasmosis Attack

In September 1982, Martina Navratilova experienced an acute attack of toxoplasmosis which, according to The New York Times, contributed to her defeat during the US Open tournament against Pam Shriver.

1984: Vision Deterioration

In 1984, Martina Navratilova's vision began to deteriorate, leading her to start wearing glasses in 1985.

1985: French Open Final Against Chris Evert

In 1985, Martina Navratilova played in what many consider to be perhaps the best woman's match of all time, the French Open final against Chris Evert, where Evert defeated Navratilova 6–3, 6–7, 7–5.

1988: Loss to Graf in Wimbledon Final

In 1988, Steffi Graf won all four major singles titles, including beating Martina Navratilova in the Wimbledon final. Navratilova did not reach the finals of any of the other Grand Slam events but did win nine tournaments.

1989: Rivalry with Graf

In 1989, Martina Navratilova faced Steffi Graf in the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open, losing both matches in three sets. Graf also won their match in the WTA Tour Championships finals. Despite not playing in the French Open, Navratilova won eight titles and was ranked No. 2 behind Graf for the third consecutive year.

1991: US Open Final Loss

In 1991, Martina Navratilova lost in the US Open final to Monica Seles.

1994: Wimbledon Final and Retirement

In 1994, at age 37, Martina Navratilova reached the Wimbledon final, losing to Conchita Martínez. In November 1994, after losing in the first round of the WTA Tour Championships, she retired from full-time singles competition.

2004: Return to Singles at French Open and Wimbledon

In 2004, Martina Navratilova returned to singles at the French Open after a 10-year absence, losing in the first round. At Wimbledon in 2004, she won a singles match, becoming the oldest player to win a professional singles match in the open era, but lost in the second round.

January 2010: Mammogram Revealed Breast Cancer

In January 2010, a routine mammogram revealed that Martina Navratilova had a ductal carcinoma in situ in her left breast.

April 7, 2010: Announced Breast Cancer Diagnosis

On April 7, 2010, Martina Navratilova announced that she was being treated for breast cancer, which was discovered during a routine mammogram in January 2010.

December 2010: Hospitalized with Pulmonary Edema

In December 2010, Martina Navratilova was hospitalized after developing high altitude pulmonary edema while attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.