How Martina Navratilova Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Martina Navratilova continue to shape the world today.

Martina Navratilova is a Czech-American former professional tennis player, widely regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats. She held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for 332 weeks and in doubles for a record 237 weeks. Navratilova amassed 167 top-level singles titles and 177 doubles titles, including a record 59 major titles in the Open Era: 18 in singles, 31 in women's doubles, and 10 in mixed doubles. Notably, she holds the all-time record of nine Wimbledon singles titles. Her rivalry with Chris Evert defined women's tennis throughout much of the 1980s.

Sections (7)

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

1965: Start of Tennis Magazine Ranking Period

In 2005, Tennis Magazine selected Navratilova as the greatest female tennis player for the period starting in 1965.

1982: Publishes Tennis Instruction Book

In 1982, Martina Navratilova co-wrote a tennis instruction book with Mary Carillo titled "Tennis My Way".

Tennis My Way

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1985: Martina Autobiography Release

In 1985, Martina Navratilova released her autobiography, titled "Martina" in the U.S. and "Being Myself" in the rest of the world, co-written with George Vecsey.

Martina

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1994: The Total Zone Novel Release

In 1994, Martina Navratilova co-wrote her first mystery novel with Liz Nickles, called "The Total Zone".

The Total Zone

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1996: Breaking Point Novel Release

In 1996, Martina Navratilova co-wrote her second mystery novel with Liz Nickles, called "Breaking Point".

1997: Killer Instinct Novel Release

In 1997, Martina Navratilova co-wrote her third mystery novel with Liz Nickles, called "Killer Instinct".

1999: Ranked Second Best Female Player by Steve Flink

In 1999, tennis writer Steve Flink named Martina Navratilova as the second-best female player of the 20th century in his book "The Greatest Tennis Matches of the Twentieth Century", directly behind Steffi Graf.

The Greatest Tennis Matches of the Twentieth Century by Steve Flink (1999-12-01)

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2000: Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

In 2000, Martina Navratilova was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

2005: Ranked Greatest Female Tennis Player by Tennis Magazine

In 2005, Tennis magazine selected Martina Navratilova as the greatest female tennis player for the years 1965 through 2005, surpassing Steffi Graf.

2006: Billie Jean King's Praise

In 2006, Billie Jean King, a former World No. 1 player, described Martina Navratilova as "the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived."

2006: US Open Mixed Doubles Title

In 2006, Martina Navratilova capped her career by winning the mixed doubles title at the US Open with Bob Bryan, marking her 41st major doubles title and 177th overall. At nearly 50 years old, she broke her own record as the oldest major champion. She also won her last title in women's doubles on August 21, 2006, at the Rogers Cup in Montreal with Nadia Petrova.

2006: Shape Your Self Release

In 2006, Martina Navratilova released a health and fitness book entitled "Shape Your Self".

Shape Your Self: My 6-Step Diet and Fitness Plan to Achieve the Best Shape of Your Life

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2006: Equality Forum Icon

In 2006, Martina Navratilova was named by Equality Forum as one of their 31 Icons of the LGBT History Month.

2008: Bud Collins' Assessment

In 2008, tennis historian and journalist Bud Collins described Martina Navratilova as "arguably, the greatest player of all time."

June 2011: Named One of Time's "30 Legends of Women's Tennis"

In June 2011, Martina Navratilova was named one of the "30 Legends of Women's Tennis: Past, Present and Future" by Time magazine.

March 2012: Tennis Channel's Second Greatest Player

In March 2012, The Tennis Channel named Martina Navratilova as the second greatest female tennis player of all time, behind Steffi Graf, in their list of 100 greatest tennis players.

August 2, 2013: Induction into National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame

On August 2, 2013, Martina Navratilova was among the first class of inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame.

2018: Documentary Development

In 2018, it was reported that Glenn Greenwald was developing a feature-length documentary about Martina Navratilova with Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine.

2024: Documentary Filming Confirmation

During an interview at the Salesforce World Tour London 2024 event, Martina Navratilova confirmed that a documentary was currently being filmed with her and Chris Evert.