Martina Navratilova reacts to criticism over latest Imane Khelif comments

Martina Navratilova strongly defended herself after facing criticism for her recent comments about Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Khelif, a controversial Algerian boxer, has twice failed the gender eligibility test required to compete in international women’s boxing events.

Navratilova is a well-known critic of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports. She has frequently referred to them as "failed male athletes."

Khelif secured third place in the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year rankings. A total of 74 sports journalists from the AP and its affiliates cast their votes, placing Khelif in the top three. Leading the list were WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and triple Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.

On Thursday, December 26, Navratilova shared a post on X, featuring Khelif being congratulated for his recent achievement. She tagged the post with a caption:

“Wtaf???”

In response, a user commented:

"It's disappointing to see you turn into someone bitter, just craving attention for the sake of it."

The 18-time Major champion responded with a sharp reply, asserting that she has always spoken up for fairness in sports. She wrote:

“At least I’m a has-been :) so thanks for acknowledging that. Bitter? Not at all. Just a fairness freak :) Male bodies in female sports are not fair. Ok, darling?”

Martina Navratilova sparks controversy by calling Imane Khelif and Barbra Banda "biological males"

Martina Navratilova | Image Source: Getty

Martina Navratilova recently sparked controversy by referring to Imane Khelif and Barbra Banda as “biological males.” She has spoken out multiple times, expressing her opposition to both players' participation in women's sports.

On December 22, the tennis legend came to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling's defense after a user accused her of "attacking transsexual people." She clarified that Rowling was not attacking transgender individuals, but rather advocating for women’s sex-based rights.

Navratilova wrote:

“Except that is not at all what JK has been doing. I think you simply don’t know enough about the issue…Protecting women’s sex-based spaces should be a no brainer yet here we are- putting male bodies(no matter the surgeries and hormones etc) and their feelings over those of women.”

One X user raised a question about Navratilova’s stance, wondering if Rowling was “attacking” Khelif and Banda. In response, the 18-time Grand Slam champion shared her perspective, writing:

“They are both biological males with DSD, with XY chromosomes… not attacking, just pointing out facts.”