I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and women in my life; I’ve been labeled the bisexual defector. Want to know another secret ? I’m even ambidextrous. I don’t like labels. Just call me Martina.

In 1982, showing the world her newfound power, both physical and mental, she won a record 15 singles tournaments. Besides, she won 14 double tournaments in the same year. In a total of 29 victories, she performed her best, regaining her no.1 position. Another achievement was, becoming the first female athlete to earn more than US $ 1 million in a year.

In 1983, she won her first US Open. She also won 15 singles and 13 doubles tournaments in the same year and proved her mettle, winning again at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. She could not repeat the history of the 1982- French Open victory in 1983, as she lost the final to Kathy Horvarth. But retained her status as world’s no.1 from ’82 to ’87, for the most part of it.

Meanwhile, a new person entered her life. She was Judy Nelson, who had had a television career during her college days and later operated some steak restaurants. She was a married, beautiful lady, and playing tennis was one of her hobbies. Martina and Judy were publicized as lesbians. The relationship lasted eight years and ended in 1991. Their separation after an unpleasant suit, retained the local media’s interest for months!