Martina Navratilova is a Czech-American former professional tennis player. Widely considered among the greatest tennis players of all time, Navratilova won 18 major singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles, and 10 major mixed doubles titles, for a combined total of 59 major titles, the most in the Open Era.
You can follow Martina Navratilova’s biography, personal details, career details, spouse, net worth, prize money, career earnings, endorsements, stats, achievements, and more here.
Martina Navratilova’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Martina Navratilova |
| Nickname | The Swiss Miss |
| Birth Date | October 18, 1956 |
| Height | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 66 kg |
| Birthplace | Prague, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic) |
| Nationality | Czech-American |
| Turned Professional | 1975 |
| Current Net Worth | $25 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Julia Lemigova (m. 2014) |
| Instagram Profile | @martinanavratilova |
Martina Navratilova was born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now known as the Czech Republic).
In 1962, Navratilova’s mother Jana remarried, to a man named Mirek Navrátil. Navratilova eventually took her stepfather’s last name, tweaking it slightly by adding a feminine “ova” at the end.
Professional Career
Martina Navratilova turned professional in 1975 at the age of 18 and quickly made her mark on the WTA Tour. She won her first major singles title at Wimbledon in 1978, defeating Chris Evert in three sets in the final.
Navratilova’s dominance was most evident in the 1980s. She won six consecutive Grand Slam singles titles across 1983 and 1984, while simultaneously winning the Grand Slam in doubles.
Her 1984 French Open victory completed her Career Grand Slam and gave her possession of all four major titles at once.

Her rivalries, especially with Chris Evert, captivated the tennis world. Navratilova and Evert contested 80 matches, 60 of them finals, with Navratilova holding a 43-37 edge.
Their back-and-forth for the world No. 1 ranking pushed both to greater heights. Navratilova continued winning late into her career. She won her last major in mixed doubles at the 2006 US Open at age 49, 32 years after her first Grand Slam title.
She is undoubtedly one of the greatest champions tennis has ever seen. Her total of 59 Grand Slam titles across all disciplines remains the Open Era record.
Spouse
Martina Navratilova married her long-time partner Julia Lemigova on December 15, 2014, in New York City.

Navratilova proposed to Lemigova on the big screen at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2014 US Open.
Martina Navratilova’s Net Worth Details
Martina Navratilova’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million as of 2025. Martina Navratilova’s main earnings sources include her professional tennis career prize money, endorsement deals, commentary work, and other ventures after retirement.
Prize Money
| Tournament | Prize Money |
| Grand Slam Singles (18 titles) | $8,440,735 |
| Grand Slam Doubles (31 titles) | $6,744,840 |
| Grand Slam Mixed Doubles (10 titles) | $1,169,471 |
| Total Grand Slam Prize Money | $16,355,046 |
Career Earnings
Throughout her career, Navratilova earned approximately $20 million in tournament prizes alone.
Beyond her earnings from tennis, Navratilova has been a respected commentator and advocate, contributing to her overall wealth.
Endorsements
Navratilova’s endorsements, speaking engagements, and media appearances have also significantly boosted her financial status.
Martina Navratilova has endorsed the following brands:
- Thorlo athletic socks
- Denon sound systems
- Yonex rackets
- Avia sports shoe
Career Stats
| Statistic | Number |
| Singles Titles | 167 |
| Doubles Titles | 177 |
| Mixed Doubles Titles | 10 |
| Grand Slam Singles Titles | 18 |
| Grand Slam Doubles Titles | 31 |
| Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Titles | 10 |
| Weeks at World No. 1 (Singles) | 332 |
| Weeks at World No. 1 (Doubles) | 237 |
Achievements
- Completed the Career Grand Slam in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, known as the “Boxed Set”
- Won 59 total Grand Slam titles, the most in the Open Era
- Achieved a record 9 Wimbledon singles titles
- Held the world No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles for over 200 weeks each
- Won a record 167 top-level singles titles and 177 doubles titles
- Reached the Wimbledon singles final 12 times, including 9 consecutive years from 1982-1990
FAQs
1. What is Martina Navratilova’s nationality and when did she begin her professional tennis career?
Navratilova was born in Czechoslovakia but later became a U.S. citizen. She started her professional tennis career in the early 1970s and quickly rose to the top of the sport.
2. How many Grand Slam singles titles has Navratilova won in her career?
She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including nine Wimbledon championships, making her one of the most decorated singles players in tennis history.
3. What are Navratilova’s achievements in doubles and mixed doubles?
Navratilova captured 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, a mark that stands as one of the most dominant doubles records ever.
4. What is the total number of professional titles Navratilova won?
She won an all-time record 167 WTA singles titles and 177 doubles titles, making her the most prolific champion in terms of tournament victories in the history of professional tennis.
5. What made Navratilova’s playing style unique and effective on court?
She excelled with a left-handed serve-and-volley style, quick reflexes at the net, excellent fitness, and an aggressive approach that overwhelmed many of her opponents.
6. For how long did Navratilova hold the world No. 1 singles and doubles rankings?
She spent 332 weeks as world No. 1 in singles and a record 237 weeks at world No. 1 in doubles, reflecting her dominance in both disciplines simultaneously.
7. Did Navratilova represent her countries in international competitions?
She played for both Czechoslovakia and the United States in the Fed Cup and Olympic Games, helping her teams achieve significant success on the world stage.
8. What barriers and social issues did Navratilova help break in tennis and sports?
She was one of the first openly gay tennis stars and has advocated for LGBT rights, gender equality, and athlete health awareness throughout and after her career.
9. Has Navratilova worked in tennis after retiring from competition?
She remains active as a commentator, coach, mentor, and analyst, sharing her insight at Grand Slam events and helping guide the next generation of tennis players.
10. What is Navratilova’s enduring legacy in sports and society?
Navratilova is recognized not only for her unprecedented achievements but for her courage, advocacy, and integrity, shaping both women’s tennis and broader cultural attitudes around diversity and fairness.











