Martina Navratilova and Rod Laver are two of the game’s most successful and influential players, both hailing from different iconic eras.
Despite having retired 49 and 20 years ago respectively, they remain hugely relevant in modern tennis as well, with their legacies and voices still at the forefront of the sport.
Rod Laver even has an entire event named after him, such is the respect he still commands, particularly from modern-day legends like Roger Federer.
And, despite having won far more than the Australian ever managed, Martina Navratilova has consistently bowed to his greatness.
Martina Navratilova explains how Rod Laver inspired her
In fact, back in 2014, she actually pinpointed exactly how Laver had inspired her to become the legendary player and champion she did.
Speaking for the official Wimbledon website, which was chronicling the legacy of the 87-year-old, Navratilova was more than happy to offer her thoughts.
She admitted: “What I took from watching Rod play the game was of course the way he played, but more so how he carried himself and the attitude that he had. Every time he played, he was the ultimate professional.
“Because I was a student of the game and respected the sport, he was a role model and set the bar pretty high. We had to carry on in the same vein.”
Who Martina Navratilova selected as the greatest tennis player of all time
It should come as no surprise that, having been inspired by Laver, Navratilova did not hesitate when selecting her tennis GOAT.
Despite having borne witness to the incredible domination of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, years after she saw the likes of Pete Sampras reshape the sport, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion has argued that a lasting legacy means more.
Back in 2019, she argued in Laver’s favour for this famous title, admitting: “I don’t like to say the greatest, because for me Rod Laver was the greatest. But Pete Sampras was one of the all-time greats and of course so is Roger, so is Novak and Rafa Nadal.
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“So it’s hard to compare generations, it’s a different time, different rackets, different everything, the sport evolved. There’s no doubt in my mind that if Roger Federer had played in the ’50s, he would have been number one then, and if Rod Laver played now, he would be number one now.]
“I think the champions always rise to the top regardless of what generation, so I like to say one of the all-time greats, but to say this one over that one, it’s so subjective and it’s comparing apples to oranges.”
