How Martina Navratilova Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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

Martina Navratilova, a Czech-American former professional tennis player, achieved remarkable success, holding the world No. 1 singles ranking for 332 weeks and No. 1 in doubles for a record 237 weeks. She boasts an Open Era record of 59 major titles: 18 in singles, 31 in women's doubles, and 10 in mixed doubles. Her nine Wimbledon singles titles are an all-time record. Navratilova, along with rival 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

1965: Greatest Female Tennis Player

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

1982: Co-writes Tennis Instruction Book

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

Tennis My Way

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1985: Publishes Autobiography

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

Martina

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1994: Publishes First Mystery Novel

In 1994, Navratilova co-authored her first mystery novel with Liz Nickles, titled "The Total Zone".

The Total Zone

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1996: Publishes Second Mystery Novel

In 1996, Navratilova co-authored her second mystery novel with Liz Nickles, titled "Breaking Point".

1997: Publishes Third Mystery Novel

In 1997, Navratilova co-authored her third mystery novel with Liz Nickles, titled "Killer Instinct".

1999: Second Best Female Player of the 20th Century

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

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

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2000: Inducted into Hall of Fame

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

2005: Greatest Female Tennis Player

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

2006: Billie Jean King's Statement

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

2006: LGBT History Month Icon

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

2006: Publishes Health and Fitness Book

In 2006, Navratilova released a health and fitness book titled "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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2008: Bud Collins's Statement

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

June 2011: 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.

March 2012: Second Greatest Female Tennis 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 of all time.

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

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

2025: Documentary Release

During an interview at the Salesforce World Tour London 2024 event, Navratilova confirmed that a documentary was currently being filmed with her and Chris Evert, and would be released in 2025.