‘They Would Have Put Me in a Prison’ – Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova Shares How She Had to Prove That She Wasn’t a Communist Spy

Martina Navratilova has claimed 59 Grand Slam champions in 3 categories: women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The tennis legend created history and shattered many records. However, the journey to scale the peak on the WTA Tour has been extremely tough for the veteran tennis star. And there were times when a shadow was cast over her future in tennis, even by the possibility of ending up in prison, among many other issues.

Recently, in an interview, Navratilova opened up about seeking asylum in the USA and the topsy-turvy journey she had to take to realize her dream.

Martina Navratilova’s herculean journey from home to the US

Recently, during her appearance in ‘Our Legacy’ Podcast, Navratilova was asked about her past, including her journey to the US and seeking asylum. She opened up about her detailed plan and how the events unfolded. She said ‘Federation started putting restrictions on my travel. So when I got permission to play the US Open, I played US Open. I played Chris in the Semi-Final, and I lost… in the semi-final.” 

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She further detailed how she paired up with her manager and reached the Immigration and Naturalization Service to seek asylum. However, it wasn’t a cakewalk for the legendary tennis star. She added, “… It was late at night, they said don’t say anything to anybody. I had to prove that I wasn’t a communist spy.” 

However, this was not the end of the ordeal for the 59-time Grand Slam champion. Her asylum made the headlines in the Washington Post the very next day; hence leading to an imminent press conference. Talking about the same, she said, “I was on my own… I couldn’t go back. I didn’t see my family for years. It was tough. If I had gone back. They would have put me in a prison. So that was not an option.”

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The Czech-American player had an adverse childhood. She defected from communist Czechoslovakia and received political asylum in the US, when she was just 18 years old.

Immensely tough road to travel for the then teenager, who would go on to become the greatest all-format player of all time in tennis.

What do you think of Martina Navratilova’s journey? Do let us know in the comments!