‘A Guy Can’t Be a Wimp and Live Around You’- When Ex-Girlfriend’s Son Thanked Martina Navratilova for Changing His Life

Martina Navratilova is one of the biggest names in tennis. She, in fact, is a reason why WTA receives so much love and attention. Her records and engaging playing style brought the audience to women’s tennis initially. Though her game isn’t the only reason behind her big fan base. Navratilova has a story.

Although the 18 times Grand Slam champion faced severe backlash during her early days, she didn’t use her success to seek revenge. She remained the same humble and down-to-earth Navratilova. In fact, she even has her ex-girlfriend’s backing on the same.

Judy Nelson about Martina Navratilova

Judy Nelson, who dated Navratilova in the early 90s, spoke about her nature in a 2012 interview. Nelson took an example of how she helped her son to explain the same and narrated, “Martina was back in Aspen this summer and she joined a crowd of us playing volleyball. She made me laugh because once again she had to win.”

“Just before we split up, I remember Eddie telling Martina, ‘You made me a better person because a guy can’t be a wimp and live around you. You pushed me to be better’.” She added.

Thereafter, she confessed, “That is why I believe Martina will win. If I was in Britain, I’d bet money on Martina. Even though she’s very competitive, she is also generous, very bright, witty, and quick.” The author and Navratilova dated for around eight years and then decided to part their ways in 1991.

Following that, the nine times Wimbledon champion met Julia Lemigova. She and Lemigova exchanged looks in a bar and eight years later in 2006, destiny brought them together.

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Lemigova, the miss USSR 1990, is a former model and an active actor. She and the tennis veteran tied the knot in the year 2014 and now are raising Emma and Victoria together in Miami.

Navratilova’s achivements

The Czech American is one of those whose record will stay intact in the books of tennis forever. By the end of her career, she had 167 singles, 177 doubles, and 15 mixed doubles trophies marked under her name.

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Further, she held the crown of world no.1 for a total period of 332 weeks. It is only second to 22 times Grand Slam champion Steffi Graf’s record. Another achievement of her that is yet to be challenged is the milestone of 100 victories on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Only Serena Williams could reach close to it. Williams is just two match wins away but won’t be able to convert it as she is retiring this season.