When you’ve dominated tennis for two decades, the next chapter rarely follows a script. For Martina Navratilova, that chapter has included a public cancer battle, a decades-long citizenship saga, and a friendship with her greatest rival that only grew stronger. This article weaves together her health updates, family life, net worth, and the unanswered questions still surrounding one of sport’s most resilient figures.
Singles titles: 167 (Open Era record) ·
Grand Slam titles: 59 total (18 singles, 31 doubles, 10 mixed) ·
Wimbledon singles titles: 9 (record) ·
World No. 1 ranking: 332 weeks (singles)
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer (HPV-related) in Jan. 2023 (CU Anschutz Cancer Center (medical research))
- Declared cancer-free as of March 2024 (Wikipedia (user-contributed encyclopedia))
- Married Julia Lemigova since Dec. 2014 (TryAlma (immigration resource))
- Exact net worth varies from $20M to $30M across sources
- Open-marriage rumors unconfirmed by Navratilova or Lemigova
- Ongoing treatment follow-up schedule not publicly detailed
- 2023: double cancer diagnosis (throat + breast) announced Jan. 2 (CU Anschutz)
- Continues tennis commentary and LGBTQ+ advocacy (BBC News (global news))
- HPV vaccination campaign expected to expand (BBC News (global news))
The table below pulls the key biographical and career facts into a single view, highlighting the breadth of her achievements and personal milestones.
| Full name | Martina Navratilova |
| Date of birth | October 18, 1956 |
| Place of birth | Prague, Czechoslovakia |
| Citizenship | United States (since 1981); Czech Republic (restored 2008) |
| Spouse | Julia Lemigova (m. 2014) |
| Career singles titles | 167 (Open Era record) |
| Career doubles titles | 177 (Open Era record) |
| Highest singles ranking | World No. 1 (332 weeks) |
| Net worth (estimated) | $25 million |
The pattern: nine facts that together show a career spanning six decades, two nationalities, and a fortune built on prize money and endorsements.
What is Martina Navratilova diagnosed with?
Throat cancer diagnosis
- On January 2, 2023, Navratilova announced that doctors had found stage 1 throat cancer, discovered after a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node in her neck (CU Anschutz Cancer Center (medical research)).
- During the same workup, doctors also found early-stage breast cancer (YouTube / Tennis-related coverage (media)).
HPV connection
- Both conditions were caught early; the throat cancer was HPV-related, according to reports (CU Anschutz).
- Navratilova had previously undergone a lumpectomy in 2010 after a noninvasive breast-cancer diagnosis (CU Anschutz).
A two-time cancer survivor, Navratilova used her platform to stress early detection and HPV vaccination — a message that reaches millions of tennis fans worldwide.
The pattern: Both cancers were found early, which dramatically improved her prognosis. For someone with no history of smoking, the HPV trigger was a surprise — and a talking point.
How did HPV cause Martina Navratilova’s throat cancer?
HPV and oropharyngeal cancer
- HPV type 16 is a known cause of oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the base of the tongue and tonsils (TODAY (health news)).
- Unlike smoking-related throat cancers, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer has a higher survival rate and responds better to treatment (TODAY).
Prevention and vaccination
- Navratilova publicly urged people to get the HPV vaccine, stating her own cancer could have been prevented (TODAY).
The implication: Her case underscores a broader shift: HPV now causes the majority of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., and vaccination rates remain below targets.
Why was Martina Navratilova stripped of her citizenship?
Defection from Czechoslovakia
- Navratilova defected in 1975 while competing at the US Open (TryAlma (immigration resource)).
- The Czechoslovak government stripped her of citizenship after she left (Britannica Kids (educational encyclopedia)).
U.S. citizenship and later reinstatement
- She became a U.S. citizen in July 1981 (TryAlma).
- In 2008, she regained Czech citizenship and became a dual U.S.-Czech citizen (Britannica Kids).
“She was stripped of Czech citizenship before becoming a U.S. citizen in 1981.”
The catch: Navratilova’s defection made her a symbol of Cold-War-era freedom but also cost her family ties for decades. The 2008 restoration was a quiet end to a three-decade legal rift.
Who are Martina Navratilova’s wife and children?
Julia Lemigova
- Navratilova married Julia Lemigova, a former Miss USSR, in December 2014 (TryAlma).
- The couple lives in the United States, as confirmed by a 2025 BBC profile (BBC News (global news)).
Children and family life
- The family includes two children from Lemigova’s previous relationship (TryAlma).
- Navratilova has no biological children (Wikipedia (user-contributed encyclopedia)).
Why this matters: Her marriage to Lemigova made headlines not just as a love story but as a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports — the couple has been together for over a decade with no confirmed separation.
Are Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert still friends?
Rivalry on court
- Navratilova and Chris Evert faced each other 61 times, one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history (Wikipedia).
Friendship and mutual support during cancer
- After retirement, the two have remained close friends, supporting each other through cancer diagnoses (Wikipedia).
“Both have supported each other through cancer diagnoses — a bond that transcends their on-court history.”
— Wikipedia
The pattern: What began as a fierce rivalry evolved into a deep friendship. For fans, their relationship is a reminder that respect can outlast competition.
What is Martina Navratilova’s net worth?
Career earnings
- Prize money totals over $21 million (TryAlma).
- Net worth is estimated at $25 million, though estimates range from $20M to $30M (TryAlma).
Endorsements and business ventures
- Income continues from endorsements, speaking engagements, and tennis commentary (BBC News).
Despite being one of the most decorated athletes in history, Navratilova’s net worth lags behind today’s top players — a reflection of the lower prize-money era in which she competed.
The implication: Her earnings come from longevity and brand power, not just match wins.
How is Martina Navratilova doing today?
Recent health update
- As of early 2025, Navratilova is cancer-free and in good health, according to her own statements (OncoDaily (cancer news)).
Current activities
- She remains active in tennis commentary and LGBTQ+ advocacy (BBC News).
- She and Julia are happily married with no reported separation (BBC News).
The pattern: After two cancer scares, Navratilova has returned to the public eye with the same drive she showed on court — now channeled into commentary, advocacy, and family life.
One key contrast that emerged from Navratilova’s case: HPV-related throat cancer behaves very differently from smoking-related throat cancer.
| Attribute | HPV-related (Navratilova’s type) | Tobacco-related |
|---|---|---|
| Primary cause | HPV type 16 infection | Smoking or chewing tobacco |
| Typical patient age | Younger (40–60) | Older (60+) |
| 5-year survival rate | 80–90% | 40–60% |
The pattern: HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer has a significantly better prognosis, but requires vaccination to prevent. Navratilova’s case highlights the importance of both vaccination and early detection.
Timeline
The timeline below organizes key events in her life.
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Defects from Czechoslovakia to the United States (TryAlma) |
| 1978 | Wins first Wimbledon singles title (Britannica Kids) |
| 1981 | Becomes U.S. citizen (TryAlma) |
| 2006 | Retires from professional tennis at age 49 (Wikipedia) |
| 2010 | Diagnosed with breast cancer; later declared in remission (CU Anschutz) |
| 2014 | Marries Julia Lemigova (TryAlma) |
| 2023 | Diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer, linked to HPV (CU Anschutz) |
| 2024 | Declared cancer-free; continues public speaking and advocacy (OncoDaily) |
The pattern: Each decade brought a transformation — from defector to champion to cancer survivor — making Navratilova’s timeline as dramatic as any match she played.
Clarity & uncertainty
Confirmed facts
- Navratilova had throat cancer caused by HPV (confirmed by her public statements in 2023). (CU Anschutz)
- She is now cancer-free as of March 2024 update. (Wikipedia)
- She was stripped of Czechoslovak citizenship after defection. (Britannica Kids)
- She is married to Julia Lemigova; they have two children from Lemigova’s prior marriage. (TryAlma)
What’s unclear
- Exact current net worth figure; estimates vary from $20 million to $30 million.
- Whether she and Julia have an open marriage – no confirmed statement from either party.
- Details on her ongoing treatment plan or follow-up schedule.
- Long-term effects of her 2023 treatment on her voice or energy levels.
Voices on Navratilova’s journey
“HPV-type throat cancer usually refers to oropharyngeal cancer at the base of the tongue and tonsils. It is a major cause of oropharyngeal cancer, and the risk profile differs from traditional smoking-related throat cancers.”
— TODAY (health news)
“Navratilova said she was doing OK and had received an all-clear from doctors.”
— OncoDaily (cancer news)
Two perspectives — one medical, one personal — frame the dual nature of her recovery: clinical success and public optimism.
For the millions who followed Navratilova on center court, her post-retirement life offers a lesson in resilience and transparency. She turned a private health scare into a public education campaign, used her citizenship story to highlight immigrant contributions to American sports, and showed that even the fiercest rivalry can become a lifelong friendship. For fans in the United States, the takeaway is clear: vaccinate against HPV, get regular checkups, and never underestimate the power of a second act.
Related reading: Katie Boulter: Age, Father, Net Worth, Relationship · Peter Overton: Biography, Melanoma, and Career
stvincents.org, washingtonpost.com, mouthcancerfoundation.org
Frequently asked questions
What is Martina Navratilova’s current health status?
As of early 2025, she is cancer-free and in good health, following treatment for stage 1 throat cancer and early-stage breast cancer in 2023. (Sources: CU Anschutz, OncoDaily)
How many Grand Slam titles did Martina Navratilova win?
59 total: 18 in singles, 31 in women’s doubles, and 10 in mixed doubles.
Is Martina Navratilova still married to Julia Lemigova?
Yes, they married in December 2014 and remain together, living in the United States with their two children.
What caused the rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert?
They faced each other 61 times between 1973 and 1988, with contrasting styles — Navratilova’s serve-and-volley vs Evert’s baseline game — that defined an era of women’s tennis.
How did Martina Navratilova become a U.S. citizen?
She defected from Czechoslovakia in 1975, received U.S. citizenship in July 1981, and later regained Czech citizenship in 2008.
What is Martina Navratilova doing now?
She works as a tennis commentator, public speaker, and LGBTQ+ advocate, and continues to speak about cancer prevention and HPV vaccination.
Does Martina Navratilova have any biological children?
No. She has two stepchildren from her wife Julia Lemigova’s previous relationship, but no biological children of her own.
Alex Chen is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Monitorly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.