Martina Navratilova to be honoured with Eugene Scott award at Legends Ball
Martina Navratilova, who won 18 Grand Slams single’s, 31 Grand Slams women’s doubles and 10 Grand Slams double titles is being awarded with the Eugene L. Scott Award by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Cipriani 42nd street in New York City on 30th annual Legends Balls.
Martina Navratilova is a three decade old American player, who retired in 2006. For nine consecutive years from 1982 to 1990, Martina reached the Wimbledon singles final 12 times. She has won 12 Wimbledon titles, which is an all time record; Billie Jean King also shares the record with Martina Navratilova. She is one of those three women who have achieved career Grand Slam in women’s doubles; singles and mixed doubles which is also known as “boxed set”.
She has also achieved the Open Era record for most singles titles that is 167 and doubles titles that is 177. The Navratilova and Pam Shriver couple was very famous as the couple won 79 titles together achieving a record of 20 Grand Slam women’s double titles as a team.
It was said by Billie Jean King that,”She is the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who’s ever lived.”
The special night of event will also honour a host of tennis luminaries, which include the Hall of Fame class of 2010, Todd & Mark and Gigi & Natasha Zvereva, featured as double specialities as well as some mixed doubles stars.
Martina Navratilova said regarding the award, “I want to thank the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Scott family for recognizing me with the Eugene L. Scott Award.” She also said that, “The honor is especially humbling because of the respect I had for Gene. He was always honest in his praise and a criticism, and for me to be recognized for sharing my views, first as a player and now as a commentator on Tennis Channel is truly rewarding and will inspire me to continue to do so in the future.”
Navratilova has raised the bar of women’s tennis with her performance, aggression and strength in her spectacular 30- year career. Her rivalry with her opponent Chris Evert is recognized as one of the greatest in the sports history. Navratilova is professionally involved in the sport as she is commentating for Tennis Channel.
Navratilova is also an active member of the Laureus Word Sports Academy, where the greatest living sporting legends spend their time voluntarily to act as global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. This association is of 46 members. In December, Navratilova will lead 28 climbers to the mountain of Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation projects.
Navratilova has also written a book, “Shape Yourself”. Due to her unique capabilities Navratilova is currently the national spokesperson and Health and Fitness Ambassador for AARP. Navratilova mostly spends her time travelling around the world, visiting different events, speaking with the crowd, playing exhibition matches and tirelessly working on all the issues that are close to her heart.
“Martina never allowed the status quo to guide her action on or off the court, which makes her a fitting recipient of the Eugene L. Scott Award,” said by Christopher E. Clouser. “Leaders and trailblazers like Martina should be recognized in order to encourage others to follow their own heart.”
The legends ball is the event which gathers the tennis world together to celebrate the history of the game and to honour some of the players who have contributed to the sport, while raising money for the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum. In addition to the Eugene L. Scott Award 2010, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum will also present the 3rd award to Joseph F.Cullman.
At the legends Ball, the guests can also bid upon the unique items in a live auction. In the past events items which were included were tennis luminaries Pete Sampras and Jim Courier, tickets to Grand Slam events, a meet with Tiger Woods etc.
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