"She is a really big guiding light": Krejcikova pays tribute to Navratilova as a tennis inspiration
WTA
Barbora
Krejcikova expressed her admiration for former world No. 1 Martina Navratilova
and sent a message of support for her recovery after being diagnosed with
cancer.
Earlier
this year, the tennis legend Navratilova announced that she had been diagnosed
with cancer for the second time. In 2010, she battled breast cancer, which she
overcame thanks to a good prognosis from her doctors. The Czech American former
tennis player is now facing the same disease again, but this time it is a
double diagnosis: breast cancer and throat cancer.
Barbora
Krejcikova spoke about this after winning the doubles title at the BNP Paribas
Open Indian Wells alongside her compatriot Katerina Siniakova and expressed her
admiration for Navratilova and the opportunity to meet her.
"Well,
I think there is a generational gap, a big gap, but then on the other hand I
definitely knew who Martina was and how successful she was when I was actually
playing, when I was a junior. So for me, having the opportunity to meet her and
to actually became a friend is a really big thing for me,” said the 2021 French
Open champion.
Furthermore,
Krejcikova valued the role that the 18-time Grand Slam champion played in the
development of her tennis career and wished her a speedy recovery.
"I
really like her, and she also is trying to help me with the development of my
tennis. So I can say that for me, yeah, she is a really big, like, guiding
light right now after not having Jana here anymore,"
“Obviously
the situation that is happening, it's not good, and, I mean, I wish her all the
best," she said.
"I wish her, you know, to become healthy
again and to be, you know, back again at the tournament, because I think she
really loves it. I mean, we are so happy to have her here around and to be able
to talk to her," added Krejcikova.
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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