"Male athletes know their advantage": Navratilova criticises Khelif's recognition at Female Athletes of 2024
WTA
Martina Navratilova has repeatedly questioned transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. The 18-time Grand Slam champion has faced backlash but continues to defend her position, while questioning why athletes—particularly male athletes—don’t speak out against the issue.
One of the most controversial moments occurred during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when athlete Imane Khelif won the gold medal. One of her rivals, Italy's Angela Carini, hinted that Khelif could be a trans woman due to the power of her punches. The accusation was dismissed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which confirmed Khelif met the eligibility requirements to compete.
At the time, in early August, Navratilova was one of the loudest voices criticising Khelif’s participation. “Deplorable. This will not end well for the people in power who allowed this to happen,” said the former world No. 1.
Deplorable. This will not end well for the people in power who allowed this to happen. https://t.co/9vR2ylnoJR
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 1, 2024
Previously, Khelif had been suspended by the International Boxing Federation for failing to meet eligibility requirements, though the IOC described this suspension as "an arbitrary decision." Recently, Khelif was ranked third in the AP Female Athlete of 2024 poll, prompting a brief but clearly disapproving reaction from Navratilova: “Wtaf???” she posted on X.
Wtaf??? https://t.co/7ZFCTb6pW7
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) December 26, 2024
Attorney Jared Fishman responded to Navratilova’s post with a question directed at the legendary tennis player: "Why do millions of REAL WOMEN tolerate this?! I thought the entire point of 'feminism' was standing up for women's rights? Now millions of women are literally on the side of men taking away jobs from other women!" Fishman wrote.
Navratilova retweeted Fishman and replied that it is not women who set the rules that allowed Khelif to win the gold medal. "Women did not make the rules that the IOC used to allow Imane to box even though Imane twice failed a sex test," she said. "Stop blaming women for this travesty."
Women didn’t vote for Imane. Women did not make the rules that the IOC used to allow Imane to box even though Imane twice failed a sex test. Stop blaming women for this travesty
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) December 26, 2024
Another user then responded to Navratilova: “What about men speaking up? Why does it always fall on women to fix things? This is not affecting men at all. That doesn't mean you should just stand by and let it happen.”
The 18-time Grand Slam champion offered her final opinion, agreeing with user Denise Ward. “Exactly. Especially male athletes—they know exactly how much of an advantage they have over women…”
Exactly. Especially male athletes- they know exactly how much of an advantage they have over women…
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) December 27, 2024
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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