In a candid interview, Martina Navratilova discusses her fears over the current political climate in America, her journey from Czechoslovakia, and her experiences with cancer.
**Martina Navratilova Reflects on Immigration, Politics, and Health Struggles in America**

**Martina Navratilova Reflects on Immigration, Politics, and Health Struggles in America**
Former tennis champion shares poignant thoughts on U.S. politics, immigration policy shifts, and personal health battles.
Martina Navratilova, the legendary tennis player who famously defected from communist Czechoslovakia fifty years ago, has voiced her concerns about the current state of affairs in the United States under Donald Trump's presidency. Speaking with BBC’s Amol Rajan, Navratilova expressed her profound anxieties about immigration policies, stating that if she were in a similar position today, she "wouldn't have left home for Trump's America." The former athlete describes her feelings toward the U.S. as leaning toward "totalitarianism," a concern that resonates with many regarding the recent immigration raids and travel bans initiated by the Trump administration.
Navratilova highlighted her belief that the U.S. has increasingly turned against migrants, citing experiences of individuals being removed for not aligning with the President's agenda. Reflecting on her own life-changing decision to defect in 1975, she revealed the emotional toll of leaving her family and the uncertainty surrounding their future reunions. Despite achieving immense success in her tennis career, she emphasized that the sacrifices she made were necessary to reach her goals.
As a dual citizen of the U.S. and Czechia, Navratilova discussed the troubling implications of the current political landscape on her sense of security in America, expressing that "everything is up in the air." Yet, her views on immigration aren't the only focus of her critique. Set against the backdrop of her struggles with cancer, which she described in detail, she provided insight into her resilience and desire to savor life's moments. Now cancer-free, Navratilova reflected on how her experiences with illness have deepened her appreciation for every day, encouraging a perspective of not sweating the small stuff.
Additionally, Navratilova addressed her controversial stance on transgender women competing in women's sports, agreeing with Trump on this divisive topic. She argued that physiological differences put cisgender women at a disadvantage, a claim that has stirred significant debate in sporting communities. Navratilova remains a prominent figure in discussing issues that bridge sports, politics, and social equality, maintaining her voice in the ongoing dialogue around these pressing matters.