Martina Navratilova Health And Illness 2026: Diagnosed With Throat Cancer

May 22, 2026

This article was last updated by Rovik Parajuli on May 22, 2026

Martina Navratilova gave an update on her illness during her speech at the Italian Open. The tennis legend said she was doing “OK” after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

The 18-time Grand Slam winner, Martina Navratilova, had a health scare at the start of 2026. The tennis legend was diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. 

This wasn’t the first time Martina faced a battle with the deadly disease. Martina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, but within six months, the tennis legend announced she was cancer free. 

Martina Navratilova Pictured In June 2026 For The Advertisement Of The Streaming Platform Top Court (Source: Instagram)

And it looks like the same is happening in 2026. After revealing her cancer diagnosis in January, Martina, in her interview on TalkTv in March, said she was cancer free and in remission. 

At this year’s Italian Open, the tennis legend, during her speech, opened up about her health issues and said she was doing alright since the initial diagnosis. 

One of the game’s legends, Martina ranks fifth in the list for most Grand Slam wins. In a list topped by , the two along with Doris Hart are the only ones to have accomplished a career Grand Slam. 

Martina Navratilova Illness Update 2026

On March 21, 2026, Martina Navratilova’s illness update came in, and thankfully it was good news. Speaking to TalkTV, Martina said she was in remission and cancer free. 

The legendary tennis player Martina Navratilova didn’t have a great start to 2026. Only on the second day of 2026, confirmed that the tennis legend was diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. 

But one could say Martina was lucky that the cancer was still in stage 1. It was during WTA Finals in November Navratilova decided to get a biopsy.

In March 2026, The 18-Time Grand Slam Winner Martina Navratilova Confirmed She Was Cancer Free And In Remission (Source: Twitter)

She noticed her left lymph node was enlarged, and though, in the beginning, she believed it was because of the shingles vaccine, she quickly decided to act on it. 

The biopsy results were positive for cancer, delaying her plans to adopt a child with her wife, Julia Lemigova. In the interview with TalkTv, Martina said the chemotherapy was the hardest thing she had ever done. 

To be diagnosed with cancer is one thing, but to be diagnosed with two cancers at the same time is traumatizing. But her recent healthy update has certainly made her fans happy. 

Her recent speech at Italian Open after being honored by the Golden Racket even had many people in tears. The legend said she was doing “OK” after a difficult start to the year. 

Martina Navratilova First Cancer Diagnosis Came In 2010

For Martina Navratilova to battle with breast cancer in 2026 was not new. The Czech–born American tennis player was previously diagnosed with cancer in 2010. 

The news broke in the mainstream media in April 2010. Martina described her fight with cancer as her personal 9/11. She received the news of her cancer diagnosis in February after she underwent a routine mammogram. 

Martina Navratilova Pictured Clapping During A Tennis Tournament (Twitter)

After her diagnosis, the tennis legend had a lumpectomy and said she would then start her chemotherapy. Six months after revealing the news, in September 2010, the former tennis player announced she was cancer free. 

After beating cancer for the first time, Martina said she made a few changes in her diet, including no longer drinking coffee.

Throughout her career, Martina had always prided herself on the fact that she continued to play tennis well beyond her age. A vegan, Martina Navratilova maintained her plant-based title during her tennis career. 

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Sriyukta Pradhananga is a versatile writer with a keen interest in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of sports. Her articles offer readers a dynamic blend of insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary that sheds light on the diverse experiences within the athletic realm.

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