Martina Navratilova has publicly challenged longtime friend Billie Jean King over their differing views on one of sport's most contentious issues.
The two tennis legends have enjoyed a close relationship spanning decades, sharing a place among the most influential figures in the history of women's sport.
However, the subject of transgender participation in women's competition has created a significant divide between the former rivals, with Navratilova admitting she remains frustrated by King's position.
Speaking to OutKick, Navratilova questioned how King reconciles her support for inclusion policies with comments she has previously made about the physical differences between men and women.
The disagreement between the pair has been simmering for several years.
Navratilova first sparked debate in 2018 when she voiced concerns about eligibility rules in women's sport, comments that generated widespread discussion across the sporting world.
Since then, King has consistently backed inclusion efforts and has publicly advocated for ensuring transgender athletes feel welcomed within sport.
Navratilova suggested she believes King views existing regulations as sufficient to ensure fair competition.
Martina Navratilova has publicly challenged longtime friend Billie Jean King over their differing views on one of sport's most contentious issues
|GETTY
"I think she thinks that they play fair and square," Navratilova said.
"And that it's just nice to include everybody."
The former Wimbledon champion pointed to remarks King made earlier this year while discussing physical differences between men and women.
During a public appearance, King acknowledged biological distinctions between the sexes while reflecting on the famous "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs.
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| PAThose comments have since been widely shared on social media and have prompted renewed debate around the issue.
Navratilova believes King's public statements raise questions about how she balances those views with her support for inclusion policies.
"The solution is obvious," Navratilova said.
"No male bodies in women's sports and no male bodies in women's sex-based spaces for many different reasons, not the least of which is women's rights to safety, dignity and fairness and privacy."
The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion also claimed she had hoped for more extensive discussions with King behind the scenes.
According to Navratilova, King had previously indicated a willingness to continue conversations about the topic.
"Billie Jean has repeatedly told me over the last four or five years that she would love to talk to me about it," Navratilova said.
However, she suggested those discussions never progressed as far as she expected.
Martina Navratilova has long opposed transgender athletes in women's sports
| GETTY"I don't think she really has heard the other side of the debate, so to speak," Navratilova claimed.
King has previously spoken publicly about the issue and indicated that preserving personal relationships remains important despite disagreements.
During an appearance in 2024, she suggested she and Navratilova had continued to communicate despite their opposing viewpoints.
"We talk. We talk," King said at the time. "I tell her our relationship is the most important thing."
More recently, King described the broader debate as "a nightmare" and encouraged people to listen to different perspectives while ensuring individuals feel included and respected.
Navratilova, however, maintains she would still like a clearer explanation from her fellow tennis icon.
"I honestly don't know because it doesn't square," she said.
"Please get Billie Jean on record. I'd like to know how she explains it because she hasn't been able to explain it to me."