‘That’s How Far in the Closet They Are’- When Martina Navratilova Pondered Over the ‘Peculiar’ Absence of ATP Players Coming Out in Tennis

Martina Navratilova gained a name for herself by being a tennis legend. Other than that, she gained fame because she came out in 1981 when the stigma around homosexuality was high. However, that did not let her stay back from coming out. The tennis legend, however, once wondered about the stigma still attached to the men’s side of the sport. She questioned why despite changing time; they were still hesitant in coming out.

Now, the player leads a happy life with her partner Julia Lemigova and promotes gay rights through her Twitter account, where she is highly active.

Martina Navratilova once wished that men in the tennis realm would come out 

Navratilova has always been very vocal about her point of view. Even if she gets criticized for her radical views, she does not back away from them. One such issue is that of her propagation of gay rights. The player got married in 2015 to her partner, Julia Lemigova. After that, she talked about the absence of men coming out in the tennis realm. She said, “Unless I missed a headline, no male tennis player on tour has come out publicly.” She reiterated her disbelief and said, “Nobody, nobody. Isn’t it peculiar?”

Navratilova stated as a matter of fact, “Because you know they are there, and I don’t even know who they are. That’s how far in the closet they are.” She concluded by wishing that they feel comfortable enough to come out in this time and age. She said, “It’s funny. I’ve heard rumors and heard stories, but I don’t know. I wish they would.” 

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Navratilova has always voiced his concern for letting a free environment where people can express their views freely. This applies to people being able to come out freely.

Navratilova – A legend both on and off the court

Navratilova battled many challenges during her career. She left her native country in the 1970s and arrived in the US seeking asylum, leaving her whole family behind. There, she alone focused on her career and did not let herself get swayed. She went on to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

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In 1981, shortly after acquiring her US citizenship, she came out, and this changed the whole course. She continued playing and changed the face of women’s tennis along with her greatest rival, Chris Evert.