Martina Navratilova had an illustrious tennis career, amassing an unprecedented 167 singles titles in her professional journey.
There are few athletes as deserving of legendary recognition as Navratilova, who reigned over the sport for many years.
She claimed her inaugural Major title at Wimbledon in 1978, securing her final championship at the same event 12 years later.
Navratilova’s exceptional career is further highlighted in doubles and mixed doubles, where she celebrated her first and last titles 32 years apart.
This outstanding performance has led many to regard Navratilova as the greatest WTA player ever, although some argue in favor of Germany’s Steffi Graf.
In 2009, Navratilova shared her thoughts on who she viewed as the best player in tennis history when asked during an interview.
Navratilova Acknowledges Her Greatness in 2009
During a candid conversation with the Tennis Channel, Navratilova reflected on her legacy, posing the question, “Am I the greatest player that ever played the game?” She stated, “It would be hard to say no.”
She elaborated on her competitive edge, emphasizing her comprehensive game, superior preparation, and athleticism, which she believed set her apart. “The body of work speaks for itself,” she said, relating her longevity and achievements.
Navratilova acknowledged that while Graf claimed more Grand Slam titles, the context of her era made the tournaments less significant, saying, “the Grand Slams were not as important.”
Navratilova also commented on comparisons between different tennis eras, noting that players today hit harder thanks to advancements in racket technology. “It’s hard to compare players from different eras,” she concluded.
Comparison of Achievements: Navratilova vs. Graf
Graf stands as one of only two women to have won more Grand Slam singles titles than Navratilova, with both holding impressive career statistics:
- 23 – Serena Williams
- 22 – Steffi Graf
- 18 – Martina Navratilova
- 18 – Chris Evert
Throughout their careers, Graf excelled in multiple categories, with their head-to-head record tied at 9-9 in total matches.
Navratilova had the upper hand in Grand Slam meetings, winning five out of their nine encounters at the most prestigious tournaments.
Their last Major clash at the 1991 US Open saw Navratilova triumph in a memorable three-set semifinal, often celebrated as one of the greatest matches in tennis history.
Ultimately, the rivalry between Navratilova and Graf remains one of the most iconic in sports, regardless of debates over who the superior player may be.
