Introduction
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova, who famously defected from communist Czechoslovakia in 1975, now says she wouldn’t move to the United States if she were making the decision today under Donald Trump‘s leadership. In a candid interview with the BBC, Navratilova discusses her political concerns, transgender athletes, and her personal battle with cancer.
Navratilova’s Fear of Trump’s America
Navratilova, who left her homeland at 18 to pursue tennis dreams, expressed concern that the modern US under Trump has become what she calls “totalitarian.”
“If I were now still in that same position and I had to go live somewhere, it would not be America,” she told BBC’s Amol Rajan. “It’s not a democracy at the moment.”
Her comments come amid Trump’s strict immigration policies, including travel bans affecting 12 countries and widespread Homeland Security raids [Read full immigration coverage].
From Cold War Defector to Tennis Champion
Navratilova’s decision to leave Czechoslovakia was deeply personal and professionally motivated. She dreamed of becoming the world’s top tennis player — a goal she accomplished with dominance: 332 weeks as world singles No.1 and 237 weeks as world doubles No.1. Today, she’s considered one of tennis’ greatest champions.
Navratilova on Transgender Women in Sports
One controversial issue where Navratilova aligns with Trump’s conservative base is transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports. She believes trans women have biological advantages that create unfair competition.
“Male bodies need to play in male sports. They can still compete — just in the proper category,” she said. Navratilova opposes the current WTA guidelines allowing trans women to compete if they meet certain testosterone level criteria.
Support for Biological Definitions
Navratilova supports recent legal moves in the UK defining women by biological sex. “100%,” she affirmed when asked whether tennis should follow the UK Supreme Court’s decision.
“There should be no ostracism or bullying, but inclusion should not come at the cost of fairness for female athletes,” she emphasized.
Personal Battles with Cancer
Beyond politics and sports, Navratilova opened up about her recent health struggles. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, she faced a second battle when doctors found a different, unrelated cancer in her throat years later Martina Navratilova.
“We got the results, and it’s cancer. And I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to die,’” she recalled. Fortunately, after extensive treatment, she is now cancer-free. “The cure was hell, but the aftermath has been great.”
Life Lessons Learned
Navratilova says her experience with cancer has made her more grateful. “Cancer taught me to really appreciate every day,” she said. “Most of all, to not sweat the small stuff.”
Conclusion
While she remains a proud US and Czech dual citizen, Martina Navratilova’s sobering reflections on Trump’s America resonate in today’s heated debates over immigration, LGBTQ rights, and democratic values. Her story is a powerful reminder that freedom, once taken for granted, can never be complacently assumed.
For more on US politics and immigration under Trump, visit our full coverage here.
