"You might be ok with naked females in men's room, we're NOT": Martina Navratilova comes to blows with tennis journalist in latest transgender row
WTASaturday, 13 April 2024 at 11:35
Former world number one Martina Navratilova got into a
heated argument with tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg about who should be
eligible to use the women’s locker room. The 67-year-old has been openly
against the use of the women’s locker room by transgender athletes,
calling them ‘biological male’.
Navratilova, who is often regarded as one of the greatest
players in the history of women’s tennis having won as many as 18 Grand Slam
titles, got into a heated argument with tennis journalist Rothenberg on the
social media platform X — previously known as Twitter — where he not only went on
to call him ‘clueless’ but also asked him to ‘stay out’.
"Hard to
overstate what a bummer it is to see this continued turn from an icon of both
women's tennis and LGBT history. And I think this petty bullying meaningfully
undercut Navratilova's attempt at claiming moral high ground when it came to
women's tennis going to Saudi Arabia,” he wrote.
"People assume I'm talking about sports debates when I
talk about Martina. I'm not. Martina famously doesn’t “stick to sports,” and
that’s hugely true of her constant comments about trans issues, where she
frequently insults non-athlete trans folks sports (like Dylan Mulvaney)."
"Oh Ben- just shows how utterly clueless you are when
it comes to this… We just loooove when men tell what we should do or what we
should think. Just sit this one out," the 18-time Grand Slam champion
wrote. It's about women’s sex based spaces- and you are just another male who
thinks that’s ok. You might be ok with naked females in the men’s locker room
but we are not ok with naked males in women’s locker rooms.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
- STOP the "Look at Me" Tour now... and forever!!mandoist05-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
Loading
