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. Who is Martina Navratilova?
Martina Navratilova is a Czech-American former professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in tennis history. Born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, she dominated women’s tennis in the late 1970s and 1980s, winning 59 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
2. What are Martina Navratilova’s most notable achievements in tennis?
Navratilova holds Open Era records for the most singles titles (167) and doubles titles (177). She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships. Her total of 59 Grand Slam titles includes 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles victories, making her one of the most decorated players ever.
3. What was her rivalry with Chris Evert like?
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert had one of the greatest rivalries in sports history. They faced each other 80 times from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s, with Navratilova holding a 43-37 advantage. Their contrasting playing styles—Navratilova’s serve-and-volley versus Evert’s baseline game—captivated tennis fans worldwide.
4. When did Martina Navratilova come out as gay?
Martina Navratilova publicly came out as gay in 1981, becoming one of the first high-profile athletes to do so. Since then, she has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, using her platform to promote social justice causes.
5. How did Martina Navratilova contribute to gender equality in sports?
Navratilova has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports. She has consistently spoken out against pay disparities and discrimination faced by female athletes and has worked to promote equal opportunities for women in tennis and other sports.
6. How did Martina Navratilova overcome her cancer diagnoses?
In January 2023, Navratilova was diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer and early-stage breast cancer. Through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she demonstrated resilience and positivity. She credited her family, friends, and fellow tennis legend Chris Evert for their support during her recovery.
7. What records set by Martina Navratilova are considered unbreakable?
Navratilova’s records include being ranked World No. 1 in both singles (332 weeks) and doubles (237 weeks), winning six consecutive Grand Slam singles titles (1983–1984), and achieving the most Wimbledon singles titles (9). Her combined total of 354 career titles across all formats remains unmatched.
8. What is Martina Navratilova doing after retiring from competitive tennis?
Since retiring in 2006, Navratilova has remained active as a tennis commentator for networks like BBC and Tennis Channel. She also advocates for cancer awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues while participating in public speaking engagements worldwide.
9. What books has Martina Navratilova written?
Navratilova co-authored her autobiography Martina (1985) with George Vecsey. She also wrote a mystery series featuring Jordan Myles, a former tennis champion turned detective, including The Total Zone (1994), Breaking Point (1996), and Killer Instinct (1997).
10. What is Martina Navratilova’s legacy in tennis?
Martina Navratilova revolutionized women’s tennis with her aggressive serve-and-volley style, unmatched fitness level, and mental toughness. Her contributions extended beyond the court through advocacy for equality and health awareness, solidifying her status as one of the most influential figures in sports history.
