Martina Navratilova is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, a figure whose impact extends well beyond the trophies she amassed. Born in 1956 in Czechoslovakia, she began playing tennis at an early age, quickly revealing herself as a prodigious talent. By the age of 11, she had claimed her first national junior title, setting the foundation for a career that would redefine the sport.

Navratilova’s rise coincided with a transformative era in tennis. After defecting to the United States in 1975 due to political tensions at home, she embraced her new life with determination and focus. Her early professional years saw steady progress, but it was in 1978 that she truly announced her arrival, winning her first Grand Slam singles championship at Wimbledon. This victory was just the beginning of an extraordinary run; throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Navratilova revolutionized the game with her aggressive style, athleticism, and tactical ingenuity.

One of Navratilova’s most defining contributions was her mastery of the serve-and-volley game. At a time when baseline rallies were becoming increasingly prevalent, she emphasized approaching the net, putting pressure on opponents with her volleys and quick reflexes. Her fitness regimen, considered ahead of its time, allowed her to sustain an intense level of play that outlasted many rivals. She won a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, a record that stood for years until surpassed by players like Serena Williams. Navratilova also dominated in doubles, securing an incredible 31 major titles in women’s doubles and mixed doubles — in large part alongside her longtime doubles partner Pam Shriver — further cementing her status as a versatile and complete player.

Her rivalry with Chris Evert remains one of the greatest in sports, representing not just a clash of two players but of contrasting styles and personalities—Evert’s baseline precision against Navratilova’s net-rushing bravado. Their matches helped elevate women’s tennis to new popularity and professional respect.

As the game evolved, however, Navratilova grew concerned about its shifting dynamics. After retiring from singles competition in the mid-1990s, she observed that the sport increasingly favored baseline power hitting, driven by advances in racket technology, changes in court surfaces, and altered ball dynamics. This shift reduced the effectiveness and frequency of serve-and-volley tactics, which had been a hallmark of her craft.

In later interviews, Navratilova expressed her desire to see more variety returned to tennis—a revival of strategies where players mix up pace, come to the net, and display creativity rather than purely relying on heavy baseline strokes. She praised contemporary players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for their versatility and occasional forays to the net, highlighting that variety keeps the game engaging for players and fans alike.

Beyond the court, Navratilova’s legacy is just as profound. After coming out as bisexual in 1981, at a time when few athletes were openly LGBTQ+, she became a pioneering advocate for equality and acceptance, using her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights in sports and beyond. Her unwillingness to shy away from controversy and her courage helped break barriers for future generations of athletes. Additionally, Navratilova has been a vocal supporter of women’s empowerment in tennis, advocating for equal prize money and increased visibility of women’s sports globally.

Her career longevity, that saw her continue competing at a high level well into her 40s, defied traditional expectations about athletes’ prime years and inspired countless players to focus on fitness and longevity. She even returned to professional doubles competition in her late 40s and 50s, winning major titles and proving that age was not a barrier to excellence.

Martina Navratilova’s story is one of transformation on multiple levels: an immigrant navigating a new world, an athlete redefining physical conditioning and tactical play, and a trailblazer advocating for social justice. Her message to future players remains relevant: tennis is as much about creativity, variety, and passion as it is about raw power and speed. In an era increasingly dominated by relentless baseline rallies, Navratilova’s call to “chip and charge” and incorporate serve-and-volley tactics is a reminder that the sport thrives on strategic nuance and excitement.

Her legacy resonates far beyond statistics and records; it’s embedded in how tennis is played and perceived today. As the sport continues to evolve with new talents, technology, and audiences, the spirit of Navratilova’s approach—a blend of athleticism, artistry, and advocacy—remains an enduring beacon. Tennis, as she often implied, is truly a game of inches, requiring not just skill but innovation and boldness—the very qualities she embodied throughout her unparalleled career.