Tennis legend Martina Navratilova says a healthier and longer tennis career is more common than when she was on tour.
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, credits her growing income with advanced healthcare and sports.
“Sports healthcare has come a long way, and players are earning more money, taking better care of themselves and living longer,” Navratilova told NBC on Thursday. Told.
The four-time US Open champion has dealt with her fair share of injuries throughout her iconic career, which lasted 32 years on the Tour.
“I had to wrap my knees before each game,” Navratilova said in 1991, before undergoing surgery on both knees in 1990.
In the ’90s, the average top-seeded player was in high school, and players who hit 30 typically didn’t compete to win tournaments.
Champions of that decade include Monica Seles, who won the 1990 French Open, and Martina Hingis, who won the 1997 Australian Open. Both she was 16 years old. Arantza Sanchez Vicario was 17 when she won the 1989 French Open.
Among men, Michael Chang won the 1989 French Open, Boris Becker won the 1985 Wimbledon, and Mats Wilander won the 1982 French Open, all at the age of 17.
“When I first started playing, I pulled a muscle in my stomach. The doctor told me to sit in the Jacuzzi instead of putting an ice bag on it,” Navratilova laughed.
Technology and advanced medical care now allow players to properly treat injuries, she added.
From a financial standpoint, the total prize money awarded at the 1990 US Open was $3,819,730, with $60 million expected to be awarded in 2022.
More prize money gives athletes the ability to “spend on better equipment” and seek out additional resources for injuries.
NEW YORK, NY – August 25: (LR) Panelists Dr. Susan Harvey, Dr. Jennifer Maynard, former professional tennis players Martina Navratilova, Kristen Holmes, Dr. Jessica Jackson, Michelle Garsha, professional tennis player Madison Keys, Professional tennis players Sloane Stephens and Dr. Jessica Shepherd pictured during a panel discussion on women’s health at the WTA’s “Her Health Advantage” event presented by Hologic at Chelsea Piers in New York City on August 25, 2022. is posing. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images of her on the Hologic WTA Tour)
Navratilova, now 65, joined 2017 U.S. Open winner Sloane Stevens, world No. 20 Madison Keys, obstetrician-gynecologist Jessica Shepherd, M.D., and obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Jennifer Maynard, on Thursday at Hologic. Participated in the Global Women’s Health Index panel. Sports medicine specialist.
Navratilova advises professional or recreational athletes to “do it less frequently.” It’s better to be in the sport for 15 minutes a day than to do it for two hours a day several times a week. she says. Although she no longer competes on the Pro Tour, she still makes it a priority to stay in shape and exercise to this day.
“It’s not about looking good or fitting in your own clothes, it’s about feeling empowered, healthy, and able to help and care for others,” she said. .
While the sport prepares to say goodbye to the legend Serena Williams, the positive thing for tennis is that the age of tennis players continues to expand with longer careers.
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