The iconic grass court Grand Slam, Wimbledon, is set to begin, promising an electrifying spectacle for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Top players from across the globe will battle it out at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club from July 1st to July 14th for the coveted title. However, since the dawn of the Open Era in 1968, no male or female player has achieved the same level of dominance in singles as Martina Navratilova of the USA. The American legend, celebrating her 60th birthday today, reached the women’s singles final a remarkable 12 times, ultimately lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish, the champion’s trophy, a record nine times. Let’s relive these nine triumphs in 60 seconds.
Navratilova’s Wimbledon journey began in 1978 at the age of 21. She triumphed over Chris Evert in a thrilling three-set final, marking her first Wimbledon title and her maiden ascent to the world No. 1 ranking. The following year, she successfully defended her crown, again defeating Evert, this time in a dominant straight-sets victory. The Czech-born American star’s dominance continued, as she secured an astonishing six consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1982 to 1987, establishing a record that still stands today. In 1990, 12 years after her initial Wimbledon triumph, she completed her incredible journey by capturing her ninth and final Wimbledon singles title, defeating Zina Garrison in a commanding straight-sets performance.
Navratilova’s Wimbledon legacy extends beyond singles, with an impressive seven women’s doubles titles and four mixed doubles titles to her name. This phenomenal athlete’s impact on the sport is undeniable, and her nine Wimbledon singles victories serve as a testament to her enduring greatness.
