"Thanks for being such a force": Navratilova thanks Riley Gaines for challenging trans inclusion in sports

With the debate of whether trans athletes should be included in women's sports heating up, Martina Navratilova and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines have acknowledged each other for their stances on the matter.

In a recent hearing regarding civil rights of LGBTQ Americans, Riley pointed out that biological men held a physical advantage over biological women, and used the Williams' sisters losing to a lower-ranked male player as an example.

"I can say that there's been this news article about men that think they can beat Serena Williams in tennis," said Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson. "That they think that they could actually score a point on her, and it's just not the case. She is stronger than them."

"Both Serena and Venus lost to the 203rd ranked male tennis player, which, they are phenoms for women," Gaines countered.

Navratilova later took to social media to show her disappointment in Robinson's statement.

"This is just sad," tweeted the former World No.1.

Gaines responded to the tweet, hailing Navratilova for being a force in advocating for biological women, to which Navratilova returned the compliment.

"I quoted you in my opening statement at the hearing," responded Gaines. "There will always be significant numbers of boys and men who would beat the best girls and women in head-to-head competition. Claims to the contrary are simply a denial of science.” Thanks for being such a force!!!"

"Right back at you, Riley!!!" said Navratilova.