In a poignant interview, Martina Navratilova, the celebrated tennis player who defected from communist Czechoslovakia to pursue her dreams in the U.S., expressed her disappointment at the nation’s political shift under President Trump. She voiced concerns about a perceived erosion of democracy and rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Navratilova reflected on her own journey and the challenges faced by those seeking refuge in America today. Furthermore, she sparked controversy with her stance on transgender participation in women's sports, emphasizing her belief in maintaining biological categories in athletics. Additionally, Navratilova opened up about her battle with cancer over the years, sharing insights on resilience and living in the moment.
Martina Navratilova: Reflections on America, Citizenship, and Sports

Martina Navratilova: Reflections on America, Citizenship, and Sports
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova shares her views on the current political climate in the U.S. and its impact on immigrants.
Navratilova's perspective, once one of hope and possibility, now feels clouded by uncertainty as she contemplates whether she would make the same choice if faced with the current political reality.
Martina Navratilova, one of tennis's greatest players, voices concern about the current U.S. political landscape, immigration issues, and the debate over transgender athletes.
Six hours ago, the sports icon and dual citizen expresses her fears about America's future, stating that the current environment has made her uneasy about her citizenship and the fate of aspiring immigrants. In a revealing conversation with BBC's Amol Rajan, she questions whether America can still be considered a bastion of democracy. Navratilova draws parallels between her own experience as a defector and today's migrants, noting a significant shift in attitudes towards immigrants in the U.S. since President Trump took office. While she does hold a controversial stance on the inclusion of transgender women in sports, she also highlights her personal battles with cancer, emphasizing her gratitude for life and the lessons learned through adversity.
She argues for keeping sports categorized by biological sex, insisting that while empathy for trans individuals is essential, fairness in competition must prevail. As she navigates her own health challenges, she remains committed to advocating for change and integrity in sports.
The full interview with Navratilova will air on BBC 2 and through BBC iPlayer on June 18, 2023.
Martina Navratilova, one of tennis's greatest players, voices concern about the current U.S. political landscape, immigration issues, and the debate over transgender athletes.
Six hours ago, the sports icon and dual citizen expresses her fears about America's future, stating that the current environment has made her uneasy about her citizenship and the fate of aspiring immigrants. In a revealing conversation with BBC's Amol Rajan, she questions whether America can still be considered a bastion of democracy. Navratilova draws parallels between her own experience as a defector and today's migrants, noting a significant shift in attitudes towards immigrants in the U.S. since President Trump took office. While she does hold a controversial stance on the inclusion of transgender women in sports, she also highlights her personal battles with cancer, emphasizing her gratitude for life and the lessons learned through adversity.
She argues for keeping sports categorized by biological sex, insisting that while empathy for trans individuals is essential, fairness in competition must prevail. As she navigates her own health challenges, she remains committed to advocating for change and integrity in sports.
The full interview with Navratilova will air on BBC 2 and through BBC iPlayer on June 18, 2023.