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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Martina Honored at U.S. Open

   Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was honored at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadow last evening, where she credited love for tennis and a positive attitude with helping her through the challenges of coming out and her current battle with breast cancer.
MARTINA Navratilova 20100624 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM
   Introduced at the opening ceremony of the tournament, Navratilova received a rousing welcome inside Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. Martina has been a fan favorite with the Flushing Meadow crowd for decades. She and other honorees were celebrated for their ability to dream and inspire people.

   In a brief speech, the Czech-born Navratilova credited tennis and a positive attitude with helping her field some of life’s “nasty curveballs," including her upbringing in a Communist country and her current health battle. The 53-year-old was diagnosed with noninvasive breast cancer this year and underwent surgery and six weeks of radiation, returning to the court in June to win the Wimbeldon ladies' invitation doubles.
"Those two things, attitude and tennis, have really been a constant for me," she said. "Attitude is a choice, so remember to always keep a positive attitude." The four-time U.S. Open champion also addressed coming out as an athlete in her prime.

“In 1981, I came out as a gay woman,” she said to strong applause. “That was not a good thing to do back then. There were a lot of doors that were shut in my face because of that, but you know what, I could still play tennis, no matter what.”

   Her famous on-court rivalry with friend Chris Evert is the subject of a new ESPN documentary, Unmatched, which will premiere September 14.

3 comments:

  1. See Julie Bolcer at the Advocate. (http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Entertainment_News/Martina_Navratilova_Honored_at_US_Open/)

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  2. Such a great photo of Martina from the Advocate article referenced above. Here is a woman, at peace with herself. I remember Martina's early days, and pulling so hard for her success before she gained top ranking, and my heart aching for her when Chris's calm, methodic, unrelenting approach to the game overwhelmed her. The loss at center court at Wimbleton had me in tears too!
    We're all very proud of you Martina!

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  3. and BTW, good on Chris too for being a good friend, presumably throughout your coming out chapter. After seeing this clip, I respect you even more!

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