Book IWD Speaker: Martina Navratilova

Former Professional Tennis Player, Ranked World No.1 in Women's Singles & Doubles, Activist on Gay Rights

Martina Navratilova is hired for International Women’s Day because she embodies excellence, courage and long-term impact. Her story reaches far beyond tennis, touching themes that resonate deeply with organisations marking the day. She dominated her sport with 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 major women’s doubles titles, spending more than 200 weeks as world number one. Her undefeated run of 332 weeks remains one of the sport’s most staggering milestones. When she speaks about resilience, discipline and how to stay at the top, audiences listen. One example she often shares is how she rebuilt her game and fitness in her late twenties, proving reinvention is possible at any stage.

Her influence on women’s sport is felt across generations. Martina raised the standard for athleticism and tactical intelligence in the women’s game, earning seven WTA Player of the Year awards and six ITF World Champion honours. She showed what was possible through bold play and relentless commitment. For companies highlighting female leadership, her career offers a clear, inspiring blueprint.

International Women’s Day audiences also value her voice on identity and equality. Martina came out publicly in 1981, becoming one of the first elite athletes to do so. The pressure was immense, yet she chose honesty. That decision, and the activism that followed, cemented her place as a global leader for LGBT+ inclusion and gender equality. She later spoke at the March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Equal Rights and Liberation, using her platform to call for fairness and visibility. Her induction into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 further underlines her impact.

Her work since retiring strengthens her appeal. She has written books such as Being Myself and Shape Yourself, offering clear reflections on performance, identity and wellbeing. She has built a respected broadcasting career with the Tennis Channel, the BBC and Sky Sports, and broadened her cultural influence through appearances in shows including The Politician. Organisations value speakers who connect with audiences across backgrounds, and Martina does this with ease.

Her presence on stage carries authority, warmth and clarity. She talks openly about pressure, adversity and success, bringing both humour and insight. For International Women’s Day, where authenticity and empowerment sit at the heart of every event, Martina Navratilova offers a voice that feels both historic and urgently relevant.

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