Tennis legend Martina Navratilova fears losing US citizenship amid Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown

In a stunning revelation, tennis legend Martina Navratilova has voiced fears that her American citizenship, held proudly for nearly 45 years, could be at risk amid the sweeping immigration crackdown spearheaded by former President Donald Trump.

The 68-year-old, who dazzled the world with her powerful forehand and unmatched agility on the grass courts of Wimbledon, spoke candidly about the precarious situation during an interview with BBC’s Amol Rajan.

Speaking about the uncertainty she feels today, Navratilova said, "Everything is up in the air right now, and that's the whole point. Everybody's walking on eggshells, not knowing what's going to happen.".

The tennis icon, who became a US citizen after defecting from Czechoslovakia in the 1970s, reflected on how different the political landscape is today compared to when she originally made the move. She admitted that back then she moved because she "couldn't do it under those circumstances at home.".

However, when asked if she would choose to move to the US if she had to make the decision now, Navratilova was clear: "If I were now still in that same position [as in 1975] and I had to go live somewhere, it would not be America, because it's not a democracy at the moment.". This stark statement signals her disillusionment with the political developments she has witnessed in recent years.

Navratilova also addressed her feelings about former President Donald Trump, emphasizing her political stance: "I'm not loyal to Donald Trump.". Her remark here demonstrates her political disagreement with his policies and leadership style.

Beyond politics, Navratilova’s legacy extends to her groundbreaking tennis career. She dominated the sport in the 1970s and 80s, winning a record 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 major women’s doubles titles, establishing herself as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Off the court, she has been a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, drawing on her personal experiences as a lesbian athlete who faced discrimination.

Navratilova has used her platform to speak out against injustice and promote inclusivity. Her life story, from defecting to a new country to becoming a vocal advocate for human rights, exemplifies the enduring struggle for freedom and acceptance.

In her own words, Navratilova’s reflections serve as both a warning and a call to action: to safeguard democratic values, to support marginalized communities, and to continue fighting for the freedoms many take for granted.

For now, Navratilova will be watching the Berlin Open and the rest of the grass-court season with interest, staying connected to the sport she loves despite the uncertain political climate.