Martina Navratilova Finally Marries Julia Lemigova: ‘It’s About Time, Right?’

Martina Navratilova may not be a young bride, but she is certainly a happy one, having recently tied the knot in New York with long-time girlfriend Julia Lemigova, after many years together.

At the age of 58, Martina, who came out as bisexual more than three decades ago, thought it was about time she made an “honest woman” of her partner and said “I do” at a private wedding ceremony for family and close friends.

Martina, who won at Wimbledon an impressive nine times, said, as reported by the BBC, “I’m 58 years old, and I got married for the first time. It’s about time, right?”

She decided this past summer that six years of dating Julia was enough, and that it was high time to pop the question, which she did, on one knee, in public, and on camera at the US Open.

Julia said to reporters, about that marriage proposal, “I was so overwhelmed and completely surprised. but I would not expect anything less from Martina.”

Due to the fact that Julia already has two daughters, not only did Martina Navratilova become a wife overnight, she also became a mother, of sorts.

Even though the wedding was a private affair, Martina has championed gay rights for years and hopes that her getting married will encourage other same-sex couples to have the confidence to do the same.

According to Martina, she is surprised that more gay athletes haven’t come out of the closet, as she told reporters, “I’m surprised more players haven’t come out. Particularly no male players. They’re so far in the closet, I don’t even know who they are.”

For her part, Martina couldn’t be happier as she looks forward to her married life with Julia, and reportedly has no problem with her children and can’t wait to embrace “motherhood,” even though she’s old enough to be a grandma.