Martina Navratilova had once again taken to her Twitter to raise her voice for the American basketball star Brittney Griner. The Russian judiciary has detained her in a penal colony after she was found with illegal drug substances in Moscow.

Navratilova voiced her concern for the safety of the basketball player. Furthermore, she appealed for her safe and secure return to the country.

Martina Navratilova appeals for Brittney Griner’s return to the US from Russia

Navratilova took to her Twitter appealing to the US government to bring the basketball player Brittney Griner back to the US. A Russian court rejected the appeal of her nine-year sentence. White House Press Secretary Karin Jean Pierre asserted that the administration is trying to get the player back to the US earnestly. Moreover, Navratilova took to her Twitter to share the news. Along with that, she stated, “This is just awful… bring Brittney home, please!!!!”

The famous basketball player is an eight-time all-star center with WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Not just that, she is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

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She was found with vape canisters carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. Additionally, she appealed to the court citing the reason that she had packed them in haste and did not intend to create any crime.

Navratilova and her struggles

Navratilova had her fair share of struggles when she left her native country after defecting. Because the political regime was oppressive, the player decided to start anew all alone.

Being young and alone in a new country did not take away her love and passion for the sport. Navratilova went on to become the world no. 1 tennis player and won 18 grand slam titles during her glorious career.

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She shares one of the most iconic tennis rivalries with famous American player, Chris Evert. All in all, they faced each other a whopping 80 times on the court with Navratilova finishing on top by 43-37.