When it comes to tennis experience and opinions on the game, no one carries more weight than Martina Navratilova or Boris Becker.
Both former world No. 1s in women’s and men’s tennis (for a staggering 331 weeks in Navratilova’s case) are enthusiasts not only of tennis but of all sports.
They both have strong opinions about the game, but they also keep their love of the sport at the center of their lives. As members of Laureus Academy, they are in the midst of working to improve the lives of children around the world through sport.
Both were original members of Laureus Academy when the idea was born 25 years ago.
“When I was first asked to join the academy, I thought what a great idea,” Navratilova said. “This was very original, including all sports. Every sport has something unique to it.
“But this is all about sports coming together with some of the greatest athletes who have ever played a variety of sports. So I was very proud to be a part of it, because looking good Just because you know someone or someone doesn’t mean you can get in there. You’re on your own here.”
Becker admitted that he was something of a fan when he first attended the Laureus Awards.
“All of my heroes were there, including Michael Jordan, Michael Johnson, and many other true superstars of the sports world, so we are working together.”
For a common cause called Laureus. It was shocking,” Becker recalled.
“And if you remember, the chairman at the time was Mr. Nelson Mandela. I was just so amazed by these amazing people and 25 years have passed by so quickly.
“We touch the lives of over 6 million children in 40 countries and we have raised a lot of money to do just that by using sport as a tool for social change.
“That’s the truth, because we both still have a child in our hearts, and that child loves tennis, and that made a huge difference in our lives.” have not forgotten where they came from. It’s amazing that through sport we can change the lives of millions of children around the world. ”
love for all sports
On the eve of the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards, the pair sat in court with the media for 45 minutes (excuse the pun) in the grand atrium of Madrid’s spectacular city hall, the Cibeles Palace, but their conversation turned to sports and sport. There was mixed praise. sports person. And for equality in sport.
Becker was asked about his love for soccer giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, who will clash in the Champions League semi-finals in a few weeks. “In that case, I think my German heart is beating louder than my Spanish heart,” Becker said honestly.
Navratilova spoke about her love for the Olympics and being able to gather in one venue with so many talented athletes. She said, “I didn’t win a medal[at the Olympics]but what really struck me was looking at different athletes in different sports, seeing different body types, and seeing what sports they played. It was to guess.
“It’s obvious that someone who is 5’4” tall won’t aspire to be a basketball player, and by the same token, if you’re 6’5” tall you can’t be a gymnast. There is such a diversity.
“I loved watching other athletes and it was great to be a part of it.”
fight for equality
But they also make a strong case for gender equality and sport as a positive vehicle for change. And in that respect, tennis has certainly played a leading role in promoting gender equality.
“I would like to say that tennis is a truly egalitarian sport. In slam tournaments, men and women play almost at the same time and receive the same prize money,” Becker said.
“In today’s society, we’ve really made strides in terms of treating women’s and men’s tennis equally. So the stardom of Iga Swiatek today is just as big as the stardom of Martina Navratilova back then. And I can only praise Tennis for that.
“It is true that tennis is a role model for other sports in terms of gender equality.”
“Tennis is one of the best examples of gender equality, with Grand Slams being played for men and women, with the same prize money, the same coverage from the court, the women’s final only on Saturday, and the men’s final on Sunday. It will be done.
“I think other sports should use tennis as an example.
Another reason why so many tennis players are nominated (for the Laureus Award) is because that’s how we see it. And that’s a very important message. ”
Although Navratilova praised tennis, she feels there is still a long way to go in the fight for gender equality in all sports.
“We’ve been fighting for it (equality). We’re able to do that in the majors because both men and women play and contribute equally,” Navratilova said.
“Other than that, in tournaments, it’s not that difficult for women to get sponsorships like men. There’s still a bit of a battle going on. Of course, there are some countries where women can’t even play the sport. It’s a cultural thing, and different countries have different roles.
“But overall, yes, there will be full equality someday, but we’re not there yet.”
