Martina Navratilova is one of tennis’ most outspoken figures, but when you have had the career that she has, you have earned that right.
However, whilst her opinions may be viewed as controversial by some, she cannot be discredited for not standing up for what she believes in.
That extends both in and out of the tennis world, having been rallying for one specific rule change for years now.
In 2023, her cry was arguably the loudest, as she took to X to reiterate a point she had ‘been screaming’ about for 20 years.
The tennis rule change that Martina Navratilova keeps calling for
This outburst was spurred by a debate held on Tennis Channel, where they argued about a topic Navratilova claimed to have been passionate about for over two decades.
Whilst on the 2023 show, it was presenter Steve Weissman who sparked controversy, as he named his proposed rule change for the sport.
He claimed: “I’m saying no more lets on serves. It happens in every other part of the game [net cords] other than serves. No more lets.
This prompted Navratilova to add: “Been screaming that for about 20 years!!! NO MORE LETS!!!!”
She added to this earlier this year at the US Open, when, during the women’s final, there was confusion surrounding a let that went uncalled by the umpire.
Whilst on commentary duties, she argued: “It’s such a stupid rule. I am really fed up with it. I have been talking about it for decades, it feels like! Why? Somebody made that rule 150 years ago and we have not changed it!”
Who else wants the let rule to be abolished?
Navratilova is not alone in this crusade against the let rule, with John McEnroe having also made that claim ten years ago when he said: “They should play through lets on serve. I know it would add an element of unpredictability which, by the way, would be good. It would speed up the match and be one less thing to worry about.”
Tim Henman echoed that sentiment more recently, arguing: “Personally, if I could just change one rule I would get rid of the let serve.
Battles of the Sexes 2025 rules
- The exhibition will be the best of three sets, with a 10 point tie-breaker if it goes to a decider
- The dimensions of Sabalenka’s side of the court will be 9% smaller
- Each player will only receive one serve
“You can hit the top of the net on every other shot that you hit, I think (the let) adds very little value.
“In terms of getting rid of it, it would be very straightforward to do.”
It’s interesting to see so many big names advocating for major changes within the sport, especially given the unique rule changes that will be present when Nick Kyrgios plays Aryna Sabalenka in the Battle of the Sexes.
