“I can vote”: Martina Navratilova delivers blunt response to critics over her dual citizenship

Friday, 30 October 2026 at 04:30

Martina Navratilova has defended her right to vote in the United States after social media users questioned her American citizenship because she also holds Czech nationality. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion responded with a series of posts, addressing her voting rights, immigration procedures and the criticism directed at her.

Born in Prague in 1956, Navratilova left communist Czechoslovakia in 1975, aged 18, and sought political asylum in the United States. She became an American citizen on 1981, and regained her Czech citizenship in 2008. She has retained her U.S. nationality, meaning she holds dual citizenship.

The discussion began after users challenged her status as an American citizen and questioned whether she had voted legally in Florida. Navratilova responded by referring to her own citizenship and comparing her situation with that of Melania Trump, before making clear that she intended to continue voting for Democratic candidates.

“And to the maga nasties out here who are suggesting I am not an American since I also have a Czech citizenship and therefore I voted illegally here in Florida. I got news for you. Melania trump is also a dual citizen- of US and Slovenia."

"So yes- I can vote, I have voted and will be voting democratic as long the GOP remains a party of pedophile and rapist protectors. Among other things.”

And to the maga nasties out here who are suggesting I am not an American since I also have a Czech citizenship and therefore I voted illegally here in Florida. I got news for you. Melania trump is also a dual citizen- of US and Slovenia. So yes- I can vote, I have voted and will be voting democratic as long the GOP remains a party of pedophile and rapist protectors. Among other things.
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 28, 2026

Navratilova questions immigration rules after defending her voting rights

Under U.S. law, dual citizenship does not itself prevent an American citizen from voting. Eligibility depends on U.S. citizenship and the applicable registration and voting requirements. Florida's election rules distinguish citizens who meet those requirements from non-citizens, who are not eligible to vote in state and federal elections.

Navratilova also addressed a user who suggested that she had obtained citizenship legally, unlike other people whose immigration status has become a political issue. In response, she contrasted the process she experienced with the restrictions and requirements she believes applicants face today.

“It was much easier then. Now the rules are so ridiculous it’s almost impossible to become a legal citizen. And then people complain about illegals?," the former world No. 1 wrote. "Give me a break. I got my green card in like 4 days. Now that is impossible”

@zhoppa77 It was much easier then. Now the rules are so ridiculous it’s almost impossible to become a legal citizen. And then people complain about illegals? Give me a break. I got my green card in like 4 days. Now that is impossible
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 29, 2026

Navratilova received American citizenship in 1981, six years after leaving Czechoslovakia.

In a later post, she addressed what she described as the range of insults directed at her, listing her background, gender, sexuality and political affiliation as possible reasons for the criticism.

“And the maga nasties are calling me all kinds of names:)," Martina Navratilova added.

"They really do not want people like me to vote at all. What gets you? The immigrant part? The woman part? The lesbian part? The communist bullshit? I know- the Democrat part. If somehow I were a trumper, omg… they would all be oh so supportive… too funny, really.”

And the maga nasties are calling me all kinds of names:). They really do not want people like me to vote at all. What gets you? The immigrant part? The woman part? The lesbian part? The communist bullshit? I know- the Democrat part. If somehow I were a trumper, omg… they would all be oh so supportive… too funny, really.
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 29, 2026

The former world No. 1 has long been outspoken on political and social issues, alongside her advocacy for LGBTQ rights.

She has been particularly active on social media in recent days, sharing several posts criticizing Trump's immigration policies, as well as commenting on gender issues and American politics.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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