Martina Navratilova’s 1987: Grand Slam Glory Amidst Unmet Expectations

Martina Navratilova was a formidable presence at Grand Slam tournaments throughout the 1970s and 1980s, securing a total of 18 Major singles titles.

The renowned Czech-American WTA icon showcased her finest performances at the sport’s four premier events, achieving two Career Grand Slams in singles.

Navratilova marked her first Major victory at Wimbledon in 1978—12 years before her last Grand Slam win at the same tournament.

Navratilova achieved the feat of winning multiple Grand Slam titles in a single year on six occasions (1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987).

Navratilova Expresses Disappointment with Her 1987 Season Despite Winning Two Majors

In a 2009 conversation with the Tennis Channel, Navratilova reflected on her 1987 WTA Tour season.

“In ’86, I was winning everything, but by ’87, I started feeling the pressure, and I couldn’t secure any tournament victories,” she shared.

“I reached the final at the French Open, but lost to Steffi [Graf]. I was close to winning but couldn’t finish it off.”

“Then at Eastbourne, despite leading 5-0 on grass against Helena Sukova, I set up losing the match in the finals.”

Despite not winning any tournaments up to that point, Navratilova approached Wimbledon as a five-time defending champion.

“Heading into Wimbledon, I hadn’t won a single tournament that year,” she said.

Ultimately, Navratilova triumphed at Wimbledon, defeating Steffi in the final, then also claimed victory at the US Open, thus winning two Grand Slams that year.

However, two titles were not sufficient for Navratilova to label 1987 a successful year.

“For others, it would’ve been a fantastic year, but for me, I’d say, ‘If ’87 were a fish, I’d toss it back’,” she remarked.

“I was disappointed compared to my previous years—even though I won Wimbledon and the US Open, it wasn’t enough for me.”

Navratilova also recognized towards the end of 1987 that her time at the pinnacle of the sport was nearing its conclusion.

“Looking back, that year marked my last US Open win, and I only clinched one more Wimbledon title afterwards, though I wasn’t aware of it then,” she reflected.

Navratilova’s Limited Success Following 1987

From 1981 to 1987, Navratilova secured 15 Grand Slam titles, but in the subsequent seven years, she added just one more to her record.

She made it to six Major finals yet suffered defeat in five of them, as she began to face challenges from the next wave of WTA talent.

Navratilova’s rivalry with Graf saw the latter end her streak of Wimbledon championships in 1988, securing the title in three sets.

Graf continued to dominate their matches, defeating Navratilova again at Wimbledon the following year and in the US Open, asserting her position in the rivalry.

Navratilova returned to her winning ways in 1990 by beating Zina Garrison at Wimbledon, thereby earning her 18th and final Major singles title.

Following defeats to Monica Seles and Conchita Martinez, Navratilova concluded her career with an 18-14 record in singles Grand Slam finals.

Despite her challenges in singles, Navratilova’s journey continued in doubles, where she achieved six additional Grand Slam titles.

• 1990 US Open Women’s Doubles – Navratilova/Fernandez defeated Novotna/Sukova
• 1993 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles – Navratilova/Woodforde defeated Nijssen/Bollegraf
• 1995 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles – Navratilova/Stark defeated Suk/Fernandez
• 2003 Australian Open Mixed Doubles – Navratilova/Paes defeated Daniilidou/Woodbridge
• 2003 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles – Navratilova/Paes defeated Rodionova/Ram
• 2006 US Open Mixed Doubles – Navratilova/Bryan defeated Peschke/Damm

Securing her last Grand Slam title in 2006 with partner Bob Bryan, 32 years after her initial triumph in the discipline, Navratilova solidified her legacy in tennis history.

Navratilova retired in 2006 with a remarkable record of 59 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in the Open Era.