The name Martina Navratilova often comes up near the top when discussing the most decorated tennis players. The Czech-American legend was such a force in women’s tennis that she essentially drove the sport when she was at the top of her game.
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Navratilova won a total of 18 Grand Slam singles titles during her stellar career. She also enjoyed great success in doubles, where she claimed 31 Grand Slam doubles titles and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles. However, she has had to overcome a lot, both on and off the court, to reach where she is today.
After opening up on her sexuality in 1981, she weathered widespread backlash. And more recently, she got into a verbal altercation with a fan who allegedly accused her of steroid consumption.
Martina Navratilova criticized a fan for an unproven accusation against her
Earlier, a fan was seen criticizing Martina Navratilova for her opinion on fascism and Puritanism. “Fascism is alive and well in US. Or Puritanism on steroids- equally bad, same end result- tyranny and control,” she quoted.
Another asshole who thinks I cheated. What a jerk pic.twitter.com/x6XBXE1fh6
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 27, 2022
To her tweet, a fan said, “Steroids you know about but it was OK because you were different.”
READ MORE: ‘Tennis Got in the Way’- Martina Navratilova Jokes About Taking an Alternate Career as a Pilot
The 65-year-old further went on to lambast the fan by tweeting, “Another a**hole who thinks I cheated. What a j**k”
Navratilova’s stunning record throughout her tennis career
Martina Navratilova’s signature serve-and-volley style of play was best suited for grass courts. As a result, she set a record by becoming the first player to win Wimbledon nine times.
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She not only won nine Wimbledon championships but also won two French Open, three Australian Open, and four US Open. The Czech-American player ranks fifth all-time for women’s tennis with 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Besides that, she holds the record for most victories in both singles (167) and doubles (177).
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WATCH THE STORY: Martina Navratilova adds a surprising twist in her farewell tribute to Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open
As a result of her incredible record and career longevity, many tennis fans continue to regard her as one of the best of all time.