With 167 career singles titles, Martina Navratilova remains the gold standard of modern tennis, the name etched in immortality. Her influence stretches far beyond the stat sheets, shaping the way today’s stars train and prepare for battle. Her pioneering fitness-first approach transformed tennis into a sport of relentless athleticism, a revolution hailed by The New York Times in 1984, which noted Olympians like Evelyn Ashford and Mary Lou Retton followed her lead. And now, decades later, Navratilova continues to speak her truth without fear, as she makes her feelings crystal clear on Jimmy Kimmel after ABC suspended him over Charlie Kirk comments.
A couple of moments ago, one X user rallied support, posting: “Project 2025 co-author and FCC Chair Brendan Carr forced ABC to suspend @jimmykimmel. Drop a 💙 if you stand with Jimmy Kimmel.” Among those who stood in solidarity was tennis icon Martina Navratilova, who wasted no time in reposting the message with three striking blue heart emojis, signaling her support for the embattled comedian.
To share some light, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night powerhouse, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been suspended indefinitely, sending shockwaves across the media world. The decision came after Kimmel’s fiery Monday night monologue, where he claimed the “Maga gang” was trying to score political points off Charlie Kirk’s killing.
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Kimmel didn’t hold back, lashing out at the half-mast flags flown in Kirk’s honor and mocking Donald Trump’s reaction to the tragedy. “This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” he said, sparking outrage across conservative circles.
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ABC moved quickly, pulling the long-running show from the Friday prime time slot. Nexstar Communications Group, which operates 23 ABC affiliates, called Kimmel’s remarks “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, confirmed that starting Wednesday, the show would be pre-empted indefinitely.
A spokesperson for ABC echoed the move, issuing a statement that shocked the entertainment world. Kimmel, who has hosted the late-night mainstay since 2003, has yet to comment publicly, with his contract still set to expire in May 2026.
However, Navratilova’s response didn’t stop here, though. Despite her well-known criticism of Trump and the Republican Party, she took a firm stance against the killing of Charlie Kirk. In a post that struck a serious tone, the 22-time Grand Slam champion wrote: “Political violence is never ok. This is an abhorrent act from an abhorrent individual. It is a sad day in many ways as this kind of stuff is way too common….” Her message reflected her deep concern about the escalating culture of violence in the US.
Interestingly, as well, this isn’t the first time Navratilova has used her voice to share opinions. Just a week earlier, on court, she also shared her thoughts on the US Open tribute to her rival and best friend.
Martina Navratilova responds to Chris Evert tribute at US Open
The 2025 US Open marked fifty years since Chris Evert first lifted the trophy in 1975, a moment that changed women’s tennis forever. The USTA honored the milestone after Aryna Sabalenka’s win against Amanda Anisimova, shifting the spotlight from the present battle to one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
A tribute film rolled across the screens, revisiting Evert’s early victory over Evonne Goolagong, her rise to World No. 1, and her legendary composure under pressure. It called her “calm, and cool, and silent ferocity,” reminding fans of her leadership as WTA president and her later work as chair of the USTA Foundation.
The Arthur Ashe crowd responded warmly, but it was Martina Navratilova’s reaction that truly resonated. Speaking on air with Sky Sports, she shared her emotions openly: “I was very happy. We did an event earlier today, and Chris looks great. Her hair’s grown back and uh she’s healthy. I’m healthy. We’re all happy and put in perspective, but it was great to get the appreciation from the crowd.”
Navratilova’s words were not just about the tribute; they were about the bond between two women whose rivalry became the heartbeat of tennis for over a decade. Their shared battles elevated the game, but their friendship continues to inspire fans.
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The Czech-American legend reflected with relief that both she and Evert are now in good health after recent medical challenges. Analyst Gigi Salmon captured the moment perfectly, responding: “Yeah, absolutely lovely to see her at the lovely that you’re both healthy. You’re both with us. We’re both enjoying this.”
For fans, the moment was more than nostalgia. It was a celebration of resilience, rivalry, and enduring friendship, reminding us that their story remains one of the greatest in sports history.