Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Martina Navratilova often ignites buzz in social media. Not only has Martina made her mark in the world of tennis with her brilliance, but also made history with her beautiful wife Julia as they became the first same-sex couple featured on the Real Housewives of Miami show.
Even after retiring over three decades ago, she has gotten herself looped in countless controversies. The Czech-American tennis icon has always been very explicit with her political opinions and comments. One issue she vehemently reiterates is transgender in women’s sports.
Martina Navratilova rips US Tennis Association over transgender inclusion policy
Navratilova has always been against the inclusion of transgender in women’s tennis. This time, another women’s sports advocate and co-founder of the Independent Council On Women’s Sports (ICONS), Kim Shasby, recently posted in disappointment about ICONS celebrating the wins of Alicia Rowley who is a transgender currently competing in the 55+ women’s category. She wrote:
“Women’s tennis is turning into a laughing stock because of these terrible policies prioritizing the mental health and identity of men over women who have discovered a love of tennis. The women are calling us and begging for help to be allowed to play fairly. They have complained; they don’t know where else to turn. ”
Martina Navratilova, who was tagged in this post, responded in complete agreement and wrote:
“Come on @USTA – women’s tennis is not for failed male athletes- whatever age. This is not right and it is not fair. Would this be allowed at the US Open this month? Just with self-ID? I don’t think so…”
Come on @USTA– women’s tennis is not for failed male athletes- whatever age. This is not right and it is not fair. Would this be allowed at the US Open this month? Just with self ID? I don’t think so… https://t.co/UkBzhaL6b6
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 6, 2023
These posts have been received with a wide range of opinions. The Czech-American legend has been explicitly vehement about this issue for a long time and made several posts expressing her opinion. Due to this, she was even deemed a ‘transphobic’ person by people around the world. However, Navratilova strongly stands by her point and urges the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to take action on the same.
Who is Alicia Rowley? Meet Women’s National Tournament champion
Alicia Rowley is the transgender athlete to win the 55+ singles title at the USTA National Women’s Grass Court Championships. According to the tweet by ICONS, she had won the National Indoor Singles and Doubles Championship and the Women’s 55+ Grass Court National Championship and also took home the “coveted golden ball”.
The USTA aims at developing tennis as an enjoyable, lifetime sport that contributes to good health, character, and responsible citizenship and has less restrictive bylaws to achieve the same. These particular tournaments in question are purely recreational and have no monetary reward.
What are your thoughts on the inclusion of transgender in women’s sports? Was Navratilova’s comments just transphobic or is it something that should be considered? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!
