‘I’m an American Citizen, I’m Gay and They Are Still..’- Despite Crushing Defeat, Martina Navratilova Was Overwhelmed With Emotions Owing to an Unexpected Reception From Fans

The path to prominence for the Czech-American tennis legend, Martina Navratilova was not an easy one; it was paved with many difficulties and stumbling blocks. From getting stripped of her Czechoslovakian citizenship to coming out of her closet, the former tennis ace faced various challenges during her illustrious tennis journey. She accepted her sexuality in the 1970s which was a period when there was a harsh climate for gay people as homosexuality was classified as a deviance.

However, it didn’t stop the 18 singles Grand Slam champion from carving out her legacy in the women’s circuit. Navratilova let her success do the talking despite all the scrutiny she faced for being a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Her remarkable performances eventually won the fans over, who had previously booed her. Speaking of it, the Tennis Hall of Famer recently revealed how her emotions were running high when she finally felt accepted.

Martina Navratilova felt overwhelmed after witnessing a sense of acceptance

The recent BBC Documentary featuring the former tennis player’s journey also portrays all the stigma surrounding gay people during the 1970 and 80s era. Being a part of the LGBTQ community, Martina Navratilova also became a target of criticism from fans. However, things changed drastically after she played her first Grand Slam event as an American citizen.

It was the 1981 US Open final in which the Tennis Hall of Famer faced a heartbreaking defeat against an 18-year-old, Tracy Austin. To everyone’s surprise, the Czech-American tennis legend was given a standing ovation from the entire crowd when she received her runners-up trophy. Navratilova felt overwhelmed as she just broke down in tears when the fans embraced her irrespective of her sexuality.

Speaking about the heartfelt moment in the documentary, the former tennis player said, “I didn’t cry because I lost the match. I cried because I felt Accepted” “No I’m an American citizen, I’m gay, and they are still clapping”

Other tennis legends have also commented on that heartfelt moment

The documentary also features other tennis legends including Pam Shriver and Sue Barker detailing that moment when the crowd embraced Navratilova. The former American tennis player, Shriver said how she was stunned to see the spectators roaring for the 18 singles Grand Slam champion. She said, “That was the first time I think Martina ever felt overwhelming love of a crowd and she just broke down”

The former Wimbledon champion, Barker has also expressed her views on that incident that took place in 1981. She said, “We all felt for her because of everything that she had been through. None of us could understand the emotions and everything that she was feeling”

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Even her opponent, Tracy Austin commented how it turned out to be a “really wonderful” moment when the crowd finally embraced her irrespective of her sexuality.

What do you think of that heartfelt moment of the 1981 US Open? Let us know in the comments section.

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