Martina Navratilova, a former world no.1 and a legend in the world of tennis, has recently found herself at the center of a heated exchange among tennis enthusiasts. A poll invited fans to cast their votes for the all-time greatest women’s tennis players, featuring tennis icons such as Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Maria Sharapova, and Martina Navratilova.
However, Navratilova’s comments regarding the inclusion of now-retired Russian tennis star, Maria Sharapova in a poll have drawn strong reactions from fans. In a blunt and straightforward manner, Navratilova dismissed Sharapova’s presence in the poll as a “joke,” setting off a chain reaction and backlash from the tennis community.
Who is the best tennis player (female) of all time?
1. Serena Williams 🇺🇸
2. Steffi Graff 🇩🇪
3. Maria Sharapova 🇷🇺
4. Martina Navratilova 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/W4VWhKx4wY— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) September 6, 2023
What a joke- I mean Maria? Really? Don’t even bother voting…
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 6, 2023
This remark uttered by Navratilova with a career spanning decades, has sparked some very strong reactions from the fans. Some even suggested that Navratilova, now in her late sixties, wouldn’t be able to even last a set with today’s modern players.
One fan criticized Navratilova’s perspective, saying, “You’re older than the iPhone, Twitter, and Facebook combined, and yet you’re worried about this?” And as if that was not enough, concluded by expressing, “You are NOTHING compared to Maria Sharapova; you need a reality check. Being THAT bitter at your old age. Just go to bed grandma.”
You’re older than the iphone, twitter and facebook combined and yet you’re worried about this ? You are NOTHING compared to Maria Sharapova, you need a reality check. Being THAT bitter at your old age… Just go to bed grandma. https://t.co/vMC2c83kgT
— mdna (@careyspears_) September 6, 2023
Another tennis fan questioned Martina Navratilova’s strong reaction, asking, “If it’s really that much of a joke, why are you getting this triggered lol?”
If it’s really that much of a joke, why are you getting this triggered lol? https://t.co/RaaYaUCjA0
— Arpit (@rafasbodyguard) September 6, 2023
Martina Navratilova’s sharp dismissal of Maria Sharapova’s inclusion in the poll has ignited a fierce backlash among tennis fans. While she expressed her disdain for the same, many tennis fans have pushed her back disapproving of her evaluation of Sharapova. Though it is not right for one contender to comment on another, both are great players in the history of the sport!
Comparing tennis icons, Maria Sharapova and Martina Navratilova
When it comes to tennis legends, Maria Sharapova and Martina Navratilova occupy their unique places in history. Both have left an indelible mark on the sport, but they did so in different eras, each marked by its own set of challenges and accomplishments.
Sharapova burst onto the tennis scene as a teenage prodigy who became the world no. 1 player at just 18 years of age. She was endowed with a fierce competitive spirit and a booming forehand. Over her career, she clinched 5 Grand Slam titles, including one Wimbledon, one US Open, two Australian Open, and one French Open singles titles. Her relentless pursuit of excellence propelled her to a career Grand Slam.
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Navratilova, on the other hand, was a trailblazer of her times in her own right. Throughout her illustrious career, she notched an astonishing 18 Grand Slam singles titles, that included winning Wimbledon a record 9 times, along with other three Majors. She showcased unmatched versatility, with dominance across all surfaces. Her trademark was her unique serve and volley game.
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While Sharapova and Navratilova both left indelible marks in tennis, Navratilova’s legacy stands out with her prolific Grand Slam wins and unparalleled longevity. Sharapova, a modern powerhouse, left an enduring impact with her fierce competitiveness and never-say-die attitude in a highly cut-throat era of today’s game! Both have truly enriched the history of women’s tennis!
