Martina Navratilova is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Known for her aggressive serve-and-volley style and incredible longevity, she revolutionized women’s sports in the 1970s and 80s.
Even decades after her retirement, fans remain fascinated by her life, from her courageous defection to the United States to her recent family news.
In this article, you will know Martina Navratilova’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Martina Navratilova’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martina Navratilova |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1956 |
| Age | 69 Years Old |
| Nationality | Czech-American |
| Height | 5 feet 7.5 inches (1.72 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1975 |
| Net Worth | $25 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Prize Money | $21,626,089 |
| Wife | Julia Lemigova |
| Children | Two sons (adopted 2024), Victoria, Emma (stepdaughters) |
| Instagram Profile | @martinanavratilova |
| Twitter Profile | @Martina |
Early Career
Martina Navratilova’s early career is defined by one of the boldest moves in sports history. Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, she showed immense talent early on but felt stifled by the communist regime’s control over her life and schedule. She knew that to reach her full potential, she had to leave.
In 1975, at just 18 years old, she traveled to New York for the US Open with a secret plan. After losing the semifinal match to Chris Evert, she didn’t return home.
Instead, she went to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) office in Manhattan to defect to the United States. She left her family behind, knowing she might not see them for years, a sacrifice that fueled her drive to succeed on the court.
Professional Career
Martina’s professional career is a collection of broken records and unparalleled dominance. She transformed women’s tennis by bringing a level of athleticism and fitness that hadn’t been seen before.
Her rivalry with Chris Evert is legendary; they played each other 80 times, pushing each other to greatness. Martina held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 332 weeks in singles and a record 237 weeks in doubles.
Her peak came in the early 1980s. In 1984, she achieved a “Grand Slam” by holding all four major titles simultaneously, earning a massive $1 million bonus for the feat. She won a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record-breaking nine championships at Wimbledon.
Remarkably, she continued playing at a high level well into her 40s, winning her final Grand Slam title (mixed doubles) at the 2006 US Open, just weeks shy of her 50th birthday.
Wife
Martina Navratilova is married to Julia Lemigova, a former model and Miss USSR 1990. The couple started dating in 2008 and got married in December 2014 in New York City.
They are well-known figures, especially after Julia joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Miami, where Martina often appears.
In August 2024, the couple shared wonderful news that they had adopted two young sons. This expansion of their family came after Martina was declared cancer-free in 2023, following a battle with throat and breast cancer.
Martina is also a stepparent to Julia’s two daughters, Victoria and Emma, from previous relationships.
Coach
During her prime, Martina worked with several key coaches who helped refine her game. Her most famous coaching partnership was with Mike Estep from 1983 to 1986, a period where she was virtually unbeatable.
She also worked with Renee Richards, a transgender tennis player and ophthalmologist, who coached her from 1981 to 1983 and helped develop the mental side of her game.
In her post-playing career, Martina briefly became a coach herself. In December 2014, she joined the coaching team of Polish star Agnieszka Radwanska to help her win a Grand Slam.
Although the partnership was short-lived, ending in April 2015, it showed Martina’s continued passion for the sport’s tactical evolution.
Martina Navratilova’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Martina Navratilova has an estimated net worth of around $25 million.
Career Earnings
| Year/Era | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1982 | ~$1.4 Million (First woman to earn $1M in a season) |
| 1984 | ~$2.1 Million (Included $1M Grand Slam Bonus) |
| Total Career | $21,626,089 |
Endorsements
Throughout her career, Martina endorsed several major brands. She had a long-term partnership with Yonex for her rackets and Avia for her shoes. She also represented Thorlo athletic socks.
Even in retirement, her legendary status keeps her in demand for speaking engagements and appearances.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Singles Titles | 167 (Open Era Record) |
| Doubles Titles | 177 (Open Era Record) |
| Grand Slam Singles | 18 Titles |
| Grand Slam Doubles | 31 Titles |
| Grand Slam Mixed | 10 Titles |
| Total Grand Slams | 59 Titles |
| Career Win/Loss | 1,442–219 (86.8%) |
FAQs
1. Who is Martina Navratilova’s wife?
Martina Navratilova is married to Julia Lemigova, a former model and reality TV star. They tied the knot in 2014 and have adopted two sons together.
2. What is Martina Navratilova’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $25 million. This includes her earnings from tennis, endorsements, and her current work as a television commentator.
3. Did Martina Navratilova defect from her country?
Yes, she defected from communist Czechoslovakia to the United States in 1975. She was 18 years old and made the decision during the US Open in New York.
4. How many Wimbledon titles did Martina Navratilova win?
She won a record nine Wimbledon singles titles. Her success on grass courts is unmatched, and she is often called the greatest grass-court player in history.
5. Is Martina Navratilova a coach?
She is not currently coaching a professional player full-time. However, she briefly coached Agnieszka Radwanska in 2015 and continues to offer expert analysis as a commentator.
