Martina Navratilova, standing at exactly 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm), redefined power tennis despite perceptions of her as taller or hulking. The Czech-American legend addressed this in 1989, stating, "They used to say I was tall, but I'm only 5-7 1/2," and clarified, "I'm 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds. But the facts are - I've got some ability and keep myself in terrific physical shape."
Her precise height fueled an athletic build that powered 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 doubles titles, and epic rivalries with Chris Evert, dominating the sport through the 1970s and 1980s with unmatched fitness and volleying prowess.
- 9 Wimbledon singles titles
- World No. 1 for 332 weeks
- Tennis Hall of Famer