Martina Navratilova welcomes landmark ban on transgender women from competing in female-only category from UK tennis, urges US to follow suit

Martina Navratilova has hailed the LTA's latest ban on transgender women from competing in the female-only category in domestic tennis tournaments in the United Kingdom. The American legend has now called on the USTA (United States Tennis Association) and other tennis bodies around the world to follow suit.

In a landmark move, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) announced that players who were born male (assigned male at birth) and non-binary members will no longer be allowed to play in the women's event at Wimbledon. This ban also extends to other WTA tournaments being held in the UK starting next year.

In a statement, the LTA reasoned that male bodies having a natural advantage over the average woman led to the decision, noting that they wanted to maintain fairness and the spirit of competition at the highest level.

"It is clear that tennis and padel are gender-affected sports — the average man has an advantage when playing against the average woman. This includes longer levers with which to reach and hit the ball and increased cardio-vascular capacity means being able to get around the court more easily," the statement read.

"The current broad consensus, including the conclusion of the review carried out by the Sports Councils Equality Group, is that this advantage is likely to be retained to a significant degree in trans women, making competition potentially unfair."

Reacting to the news on social media, Navratilova shared her feelings, hailing the LTA on a 'good start' to help protect women's sports.

"Congrats to @the_LTA , this is a good start and I am hoping the @usta and others will follow suit," Navratilova wrote.

It should be noted that this ban does not extend to local tennis venues where non-competitive action takes place, the LTA urges clubs to be as welcoming of transgender and non-binary individuals as possible.

"We need to put a line" - Martina Navratilova on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports

2023 WTA Finals - Day 5 - Source: Getty

This is not the first time Martina Navratilova has welcomed the separation of women's sports and transgender athletes. The American legend has continuously called for the need for women-only spaces in sports, insisting that the physical advantages of the male body cannot be allowed to stifle the achievements of women.

"When it comes to female sex-based spaces, which includes sports, then I think we need to put a line there and say 'We just really need this space to be female.' And that's the end," Navratilova said.

Navratilova's stance has often led to criticism, but the 18-time Grand Slam continues to stand her ground with increasing vigor.