Martina Navratilova, a Czech-American tennis legend, and Julia Lemigova, a Russian-born former model and entrepreneur, first met in 2000 at a charity event in Paris. However, it was not until a few years later that they reconnected and began their romantic relationship. Their love story has since captivated fans and admirers worldwide, as they have become an inspiring symbol of love, resilience, and commitment.

Before Martina entered Julia’s life, she was married to Edouard Stern and even had a son with him. However, Julia lost her son due to an accidental medical condition. In an interview, she got emotional as she shared how devastated that left her.

Wife of Martina Navratilova, Julia Lemigova became distraught after the incident

After getting married to Edouard Stern, a confidant to the former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Julia had a baby boy. They named him Maximilien. However, after Julia and her husband split, their son became exposed to a custody battle. In the bitter dispute, Julia’s son tragically died of shaken baby syndrome. At the time, he had been left in the care of his nanny, Maya.

After the unfortunate incident, his nanny disappeared. Naturally, the shaken and distraught Lemigova blamed Maya for the harrowing circumstances. In a Daily Mail interview, she shared how devastated she was, saying, “I don’t know if I ever completely survived the loss of my son. Part of me dead is forever. At the time, I simply didn’t want to live. Selfishly I wanted to end my life so many times. I wanted to join my son. I wanted to go away.”

Losing a child is a tragedy that can never be comprehended wholly. It resonates with a parent all through their life. The only way forward for a parent who has lost their child is to battle forth every single day. Julia could finally do the same when she found Martina.

READ MORE: 66-Year-Old Martina Navratilova’s Wife Julia Lemigova Gives Her a Makeover as She Proudly Celebrates Partner’s ‘Courage’ and ‘Grace’ in Tackling Cancer

Julia shares her journey with her sexuality and Martina’s role in it

Julia, in the same interview, shared that she could determine her sexuality only when she became an adult. As a child, she did not know that the same genders could exist in a relationship together. Julia also shared how she was very hesitant to hold hands with Martina in public.

But it was Martina who boosted her confidence. Over time, Julia felt secure enough to show her affection. She also added that Julia’s personal tragedy was one thing that brought the pair close, as Martina helped her process the loss. Both women have been incredibly supportive of each other, as pillars of strength through crises in their lives.

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