Martina Navratilova has long been a figure unafraid of taking a stand, even when it invites criticism. Having defected from Czechoslovakia to the United States in 1975, she cited a lack of opportunity to achieve her sporting and personal aspirations under the Communist regime. In 1981, she made headlines again by publicly coming out in an interview, an act she felt was premature at the time.
In more recent discussions, Navratilova has faced backlash for her views on transgender women in competitive sports, leading to accusations of transphobia from several LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Her vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump and his administration has often been articulated through social media platforms, but a recent participation in a protest by the bipartisan organization Home of the Brave marked a significant shift in her advocacy efforts.
In a video for Home of the Brave, Navratilova stated, “I defected from a totalitarian regime and like hell am I going to be cowed again.” While many high-profile athletes, such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry, spoke out against Trump during his first term, fewer have been vocal during his second term. Navratilova expressed her feelings of isolation in this endeavor, stating, “I feel like I’m sometimes screaming into the void,” but emphasized the importance of continuing to voice her opinions, believing it helps her well-being and encourages critical thought.
Trump, who had not attended the U.S. Open since 2015, made a return to the tournament this year. During his visit, he sat in the Rolex suite for the men’s singles final and elicited mixed reactions from the audience when shown on the big screen.
Navratilova was present at the tournament when George Conway, head of Home of the Brave, approached her. Now 69, she became a U.S. citizen in 1981 and resides in Florida with her wife, Julia Lemigova, a notable figure on the “Real Housewives of Miami.” Reflecting on her journey, Navratilova recalled her first U.S. Open singles final in 1981 against Tracy Austin, recounting the emotional moment of receiving cheers from the crowd despite her loss.
As an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, Navratilova acknowledged the risks of her outspoken nature and has described the experience of expressing dissent as akin to “walking on eggshells.” In early interviews, she communicated her resistance to silence, indicating that remaining quiet equates to compliance—a stance she firmly opposes.
The conversation around her criticisms extends to changes within the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which recently modified its player eligibility policy to align with directives from Trump’s administration. The new rules prohibit individuals assigned male at birth from participating in USTA-sanctioned women’s events at all levels, a significant departure from the previous policy that permitted participation based on gender identity in recreational contexts.
Navratilova acknowledged this controversial directive, quipping, “So I agree with him on one issue out of a hundred.” She emphasized her commitment to free expression, stating, “When I defected and I was able to say anything I wanted to, I did.”
