Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest tennis champions of all time. She has won 18 major singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles and 10 major mixed doubles titles. This represents a total of 59 major titles, an Open Era record. Navratilova was known for her fierce fighting spirit and powerful serve and volley style of play.
Navratilova has lived in the United States of America since 1975 and has been a citizen of the country since 1981. Over the years, the Czech-American tennis legend has become accustomed to the sports culture of the United States. So, it was no surprise when Navratilova was asked to throw out the first pitch at a baseball game.
Martina Navratilova spoke about refereeing in tennis and baseball
On May 10, 2017, Martina Navratilova threw the ceremonial first pitch in a game between the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals at Marlins Park. After the first pitch, Navratilova answered questions about baseball and her tennis career in a short interview. During the interview, she answered a question about refereeing.
Journalist: You had a good seat because you are only two rows behind. Saw Yelich and Mattingley get fired. You cannot discuss balls and strikes in baseball. You have a little more leeway in your sport, don’t you?
Martina: Well, it depends. I think what he said to the ref, he would have also been faulted, yeah.
Navratilova’s fiery attitude could have gotten her kicked out of a baseball game. Baseball umpires have sometimes made outrageous calls and expelled players and coaches for nothing. Moreover, the problem seems to have become more apparent in recent years.
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The Cardinals then beat the Marlins 6-5 and Navratilova’s first pitch could have brought bad luck to the home team. Considering her strong left arm and powerful shot, Martina Navratilova might even have been good at baseball.
When did Navratilova retire from tennis?
Martina Navratilova retired from competitive tennis in 2006 at age 49. She retired shortly after winning her last Grand Slam title at the 2006 US Open. Navratilova ended her career in winning fashion, winning the mixed doubles title.
In a career spanning more than 30 years, Navratilova has won everything in tennis. Navratilova will leave behind a legacy as a fierce competitor and one of the greatest of all time.
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