Martina Navratilova, a legendary figure in tennis, recently shared her thoughts on a range of topics from US politics to her personal battles with cancer. In a candid interview with the BBC, Navratilova expressed concerns about the current political climate in the United States, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Political Concerns and Immigration

Navratilova, who defected from communist Czechoslovakia 50 years ago, voiced her fears about the increasingly stringent immigration policies in the US. "If I were now still in that same position and I had to go live somewhere, it would not be America, because it's not a democracy at the moment," she stated. She criticized the Trump administration for its handling of immigration, describing the US as "definitely turning against migrants."

Stance on Transgender Athletes in Tennis

Navratilova also addressed the contentious issue of transgender women's participation in sports. She firmly believes that trans women have biological advantages in women's sports and should compete in the male category. "Male bodies need to play in male sports. They can still compete. There is no ban on transwomen in sports. They just need to compete in the proper category which is the male category," she explained.

Personal Health Battles

Navratilova has been open about her struggles with cancer over the past 15 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and later with throat cancer, she described her treatment as "hell" but expressed gratitude for her recovery. "Knock on wood, all clear, and no side effects at all - other than red wine still doesn't taste good, so I've gone sideways towards tequila and vodka," she joked.

Legacy and Influence

Navratilova's impact on tennis is undeniable. She held the world number one spot in women's singles for 332 weeks and in women's doubles for a record 237 weeks. Her views on politics and sports continue to spark discussions, reflecting her enduring influence both on and off the court.

For more insights from Martina Navratilova, watch her full interview on BBC 2 and BBC iPlayer.