Martina Navratilova’s Unique Double Victory at the WTA Finals
The WTA Finals made their debut in 1972.
Chris Evert, a 18-time Grand Slam winner, claimed the title in Boca Raton, Florida, by overcoming Australian Kerry Melville in the championship match.
Subsequent champions have included Serena Williams, Monica Seles, and Steffi Graf, who have all secured the prestigious year-end crown.
Martina Navratilova holds the record for the most singles titles, with eight victories to her name.
In a unique achievement during 1986, the Czech-American athlete triumphed in the singles competition on two separate occasions.
What caused the 1986 WTA Finals to be staged twice?
From 1972 through 1974, the WTA Finals took place in October. The schedule was later adjusted to March, a format that lasted from 1975 to 1986.
During 1986, the WTA transitioned to a January-through-November calendar, which prompted the relocation of the Virginia Slims Championships from March to November, affecting the WTA Finals.
Consequently, the Australian Open, previously scheduled for December, was cancelled, leading to the WTA Finals being played twice, once in March and again in November.
Martina Navratilova captured both titles, defeating Hana Mandlikova and Steffi Graf in the respective finals, and entered both tournaments as the number one seed.
”Once I was up by two sets, I felt comfortable,” Navratilova said after defeating Graf 7–6, 6–3, 6–2 in the November final. ”I played a solid match, nothing spectacular, but no letdowns. This win was fantastic.”
”I’m playing against tougher competition, and that’s what makes it more gratifying,” she added. ”I’ve had to play as good, if not better, than two years ago.”
She also advanced to the final in 1989, 1991, and 1992, but was defeated by Steffi Graf in 1989 and by Monica Seles in 1991 and 1992.
- 1986 – defeated Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the final, 7-6, 6-4
- 1979 – defeated Tracy Austin in the final, 6–3, 3–6, 6–2
- 1981 – defeated Andrea Jaeger in the final, 6–3, 7–6
- 1983 – defeated Chris Evert in the final, 6-2, 6-0
- 1983 – defeated Chris Evert in the final, 6–3, 7–5, 6–1
- 1984 – defeated Helen Sukova in the final, 6–3, 7–5, 6–4
- 1986 [March]: defeated Hana Mandlikova in the final, 6–2, 6–0, 3–6, 6–1
- 1989 [November]: defeated Steffi Graf in the final, 7–6, 6–3, 6–2
Martina Navratilova also secured 13 WTA Finals doubles titles, setting a record. Her final doubles victory at the event came in 1991, partnered with Pam Shriver.
