Martina Navratilova blasts Stephanie Turner’s disqualification from USA Fencing for refusing to fight against a trans athlete

Martina Navratilova has been known for massively strong opinion with regards to sports and politics on Twitter.

Martina Navratilova blasts Stephanie Turner’s disqualification from USA Fencing for refusing to fight against a trans athlete

Martina Navratilova and Stephanie Turner (via TNT Sports and BBC)

Tennis great Martina Navratilova spoke out after a female fencer was disqualified for refusing to compete against a transgender opponent. The tennis legend, who has argued that trans women have physical advantages, was among those discussing the incident online.

The controversy began on March 30 at a fencing tournament in Maryland. Stephanie Turner, a competitor, took a knee and removed her mask in protest before facing Redmond Sullivan, a transgender fencer. As a result, the referee gave her a black card, disqualifying her from the event.

YouTube video

This is what happens when female athletes protest! Anyone here still thinks this is fair??? I am fuming… and shame on @USAFencing, shame on you for doing this. How dare you throw women under the gender bullsh*t bus!!!

Martina Navratilova on X

USA Fencing defended the decision, saying all athletes must follow the same rules. The organization follows guidelines set by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the sport’s governing body.

In 2023, USA Fencing introduced a policy allowing transgender and nonbinary athletes to compete. The policy is based on research and supports inclusion in sports.

Martina Navratilova blasts ‘lousy’ trans tennis player after removal from NYC League

Martina Navratilova criticized transgender tennis player Cammie Woodman, calling her a “lousy” player after her removal from the Brooklyn Tennis League. Woodman, 25, was reportedly banned after a cisgender opponent complained following their match.

Martina Navratilova lambasts trans high school basketball player
Martina Navratilova (via X)

Thankfully he is a lousy tennis player. Ridiculous.

Martina Navratilova on X

In New York, discrimination based on identity is illegal. However, transgender participation in sports has been a hot topic nationwide. It was a key issue during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

Since taking office in January, Trump has signed orders preventing transgender women from competing in female sports. Woodman had played and won two sets in a friendly match at Lincoln Terrace Park in Brooklyn before her removal.

An email conversation followed between Woodman, her opponent, and Tennis League Network CEO Steven Chagnon. Soon after, Woodman was removed from the league, sparking further debate on transgender inclusion in sports.

Martina Navratilova credits Novak Djokovic for his words on Jakub Mensik

Martina Navratilova applauded Novak Djokovic for his kind words after his Miami Open final loss. Despite the disappointment, the Serb showed great sportsmanship by praising Jakub Mensik after the match.

Novak Djokovic, Jakub Mensik (3)
Novak Djokovic, Jakub Mensik (Image via X/Univers Tennis)

World-class comments from Novak to Mensik after losing to him – from the biggest champion to the new champion.

Martina Navratilova wrote on X

Mensik, ranked 54th before the tournament, became the lowest-ranked player to win the Miami Open. His victory moved him up to 24th in the ATP rankings. The 19-year-old now has his first ATP title, while Djokovic remains at 99.

Djokovic had spoken highly of Mensik earlier in the event. The young Czech then went on to defeat him in the hard-court final. Even in defeat, the former World No.1 handled the moment with grace and respect.

Although he fell short in Miami, Djokovic can be proud of his performance. He has won there before and played well throughout the event. With the clay-court season ahead, his 100th title could come very soon.