Happy 50th Martina!
A true American hero, Martina Navratilova, turned 50 years old today. Born on Oct. 18, 1956 in Czechoslovakia, she defected to the United States after losing in the semifinals of the U.S. Open in 1975. She became an American citizen in 1981 and at the U.S. Open final that year, she was given one of the most memorable standing ovations in tournament history. 
Not only was the crowd cheering her valiant effort in a heartbreaking 1-6,7-6-7-6 loss to Tracy Austin, they were cheering a fellow American. Martina went on to win four US singles titles during the 1980s over the likes of Chris Evert and Steffi Graf and played in her last singles final at the Open in 1991 when, after losing to Monica Seles, she told the crowd: "I'm so damned proud to be an American." Then last month, Martina took the mixed doubles title at the age of 49 in her last match as a professional.
Regular readers of this blog already know that I am not just a Hollywood fanatic, but am a tennis fanatic too. The two players, male or female, who I have been inspired by the most are Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova. On court, they were both as competitive as they come, each won a record 20 Wimbledon titles (including one together in 1979). But off the court, with their commitment to social change and determination to achieve equality for women and for gay people within their lifetimes, they are far more than great champions: they are heroes. So to meet them both in person within a span two weeks was surreal and very special. Here are some pics of me with these great ladies.
With Billie Jean King at the Smash Hits fundraiser for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (right). Click 
With Martina Navratilova last week at the Lambda Liberty Legal Awards (right)where she was honored for a lifetime of courage and integrity. Click
Deuce! is about all things tennis - from the pro game down to the
local level. It is anchored by Daily News Staff Writer Greg Hernandez
who has profiled such players as Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean
King, and the Bryan brothers. Greg is looking to complete the
spectator's grand slam with a visit to the Australian Open someday
soon. He has already been to Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S.
Open.