News Digest

'She said yes': Navratilova proposes to girlfriend in front of U.S. Open crowd

Tennis great Martina Navratilova has proposed to her long-term partner Julia Lemigova in considerable style. After watching Kei Nishikori’s stunning victory over world number one Novak Djokovic at the men’s U.S. Open semifinals, tennis fans were given another surprise treat. Navratilova popped the question on the big screen of the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, drawing a loud cheer from the crowd. Adding an extra element of drama, the engagement almost made her late for a champions’ doubles match on another court.

I was very nervous. It came off. She said yes.

Martina Navratilova, 57

Not willing to disturb Nishikori and Djokovic mid-match, she tried to postpone her own game to make time for the proposal. Luckily the match ended in four rather than five sets, and alongside Jana Novotna she went on to beat Tracy Austin and Gigi Fernandez. The couple say they hope to marry in Florida, where they live. However Florida officials are currently appealing a federal judge’s decision to overturn a ban on gay marriage, meaning that may not be possible.

It was kind of an out-of-body experience. You’ve seen people propose at sporting events before, in movies, in real life. Here it was happening to me. It was like I was watching myself do it.

Martina Navratilova