Martina Navratilova inaugurated the awards in Majors Right at Wimbledon. A love story that spanned nine seasons in which she raised her arms as if it were the patio of her house. A game-changer who was fully installed in the discussion about the greatest in the history of tennis. In the preview of the Grand Slam on grass, we review each of her victories in the All England.
In 1973 he set foot on British grass for the first time. On that occasion, still green among the best in the world, she reached the third instance falling against the American Patricia Hogan. Already in 1975, with a title on her shoulders and her Major finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, she surpassed her mark by placing second in the quarterfinals and losing to Margaret Court.
In 1978, with the previous falls in Majors converted into learning and experiences, he arrived in London with his sights set on the first weight medal in his career. Hot on the heels of Chris Evert, the world No. 1 at the time, she began her run up the draw as the second contender meeting in the early rounds against Julie Anthony and Pam Whytcross. In the third round, American Barbara Jordan managed to take advantage of the opening set but Martina’s determination was enough to overcome the challenge and reach the round of 16. There she edged out ninth-seeded Tracy Austin to navigate some tricky terrain.
Victories over Marise Kruger and Evonne Goolagong deposited her for the third time in a Grand Slam definition. On the other side and for the 26th time, Chris Evert was preparing for another contest in one of the most special rivalries that tennis has had in its long history. The result decided in favor of Navratilova 2-6, 6-4 and 7-5 to sign her inaugural victory at Wimbledon and, in addition, accessing the top of the women’s ranking, making her debut in a position that she knew how to occupy throughout long 332 weeks.
The following year he successfully defended the crown, adding again in the definition against Evert, the second major trophy to his showcase. It was a double 6-4 that begins to feel like the beginning of a long reign. In 1980, with the conditions in her favor, Martina was surprised in the semifinals against Crissy and said goodbye to her with a bitter taste that would extend to the next edition.
It was only in 1982 that he returned to the throne, writing a new chapter in the Navratilova-Evert rivalry. By then, the Czechoslovakia-born had picked up titles at the Australian Open and Roland Garros but she wanted more. That edition of the British tournament saw the birth of a winning streak that lasted until 1988 when a young German returned to the field after falling in the definition of the previous year and snatched the position from Martina. Steffi Graf’s golden cycle, in which she took the Grand Four as well as the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics, put Navratilova’s reign on hold.
In 1990, the nationalized American reunited with victory at the Cathedral to conclude the love story with nine titles on London soil, establishing herself as the maximum champion of the contest and leaving Roger Federer (8), Helen Wills ( 8), Pete Sampras (7), Steffi Graf (7), Serena Williams (7), Novak Djokovic (6), Billie Jean King (6), Venus Williams (5) and Bjorn Borg (5).
