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Martina Honored at U.S. Open

The tennis legend was honored at the U.S. Open, where she credited love for tennis and a positive attitude with helping her through her current breast cancer battle and coming out in 1981.

MARTINA Navratilova 20100624 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM

Tennis great Martina Navratilova was honored Monday evening at the U.S. Open in New York, where she credited a positive attitude and love of tennis with helping her through the challenges of coming out and her current battle with breast cancer.

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. 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 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.

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Bonnie
    Date posted: 9/1/2010 12:30:37 PM
    Hometown: White Plains

    Comment:

    She still looks hot after all these years! Great going Martina!!! Standing up (ok, sitting down) for our rights!

  • Name: Robert
    Date posted: 9/1/2010 9:54:36 AM
    Hometown: London

    Comment:

    I'm so proud to have Martina in my community. Martina, you an inspiration on so many levels. Thank you for your bravery, honesty, talent and grace. Bravo.

  • Name: Bill
    Date posted: 8/31/2010 6:32:41 PM
    Hometown: Arlington

    Comment:

    This woman is an incredible jewel for the gay community. She has broken barriers, stood on principle and now faced cancer. She'd lived her life with grace and style.

  • Name: doug
    Date posted: 8/31/2010 4:13:12 PM
    Hometown: vb

    Comment:

    love love love Martina!!!!!!!! Hope they show her play in the legends event. Good to listen to her commentary on the Teniis Channel- best in the business, don't understand why ESPN has Mary Joe Fernadez and Pam Shriver instead of her, she's way better!!!!! Maybe the gay thing is still holding her back some.



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