Martina Navratilova has not taken kindly to an incident involving WNBA star Caitlin Clark being tackled during the Indiana Fever’s game against the Dallas Wings. The former world No. 1 issued a strongly worded response condemning the apparent treatment of Clark, echoing concerns previously raised by fellow tennis legend Chris Evert.
How Martina Navratilova Reacted to Caitlin Clark Being Tackled
On Thursday, August 20, the Dallas Wings hosted the Indiana Fever for a game that drew significant attention, first after a confrontation between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers and later when Clark was sent crashing to the floor.
In the fourth quarter, Dallas Wings guard Odyssey Sims collided with Clark, sending the Fever star knee-first onto the court. Clark was seen clutching her left leg before returning to action.
As footage of the incident circulated on social media after the Wings sealed a 91-85 win, Navratilova voiced her frustration over what she viewed as a “dangerous” act. She argued that WNBA players should be embarrassed about such incidents involving Clark.
“These athletes should be embarrassed. This is not ok. Not to mention it’s dangerous and stupid,” Navratilova posted.
These athletes should be
embarrassed. This is not ok. Not to mention it’s dangerous and stupid https://t.co/VdCl6l8Vsf— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 21, 2026
Navratilova is not the only tennis legend to call out the apparent treatment of Clark. After Alyssa Thomas sparked controversy in June by making contact with Clark’s neck with her fist, Chris Evert backed basketball analyst Dick Vitale’s criticism of how the Indiana Fever star was “targeted.”
“Absolutely makes “No Sense “ that @Caitlinclark22 is targeted in such a negative manner by many of her peers . She should be treated like ROYALTY for what she has done for the @WNBA! #@ESPNPR,” Vitale wrote.
“agree totally ❤️,” Evert commented.
agree totally ❤️ https://t.co/e3W9BAlMFQ
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) July 8, 2026
Evert had previously criticized WNBA players for their perceived lack of sportsmanship after Clark was poked in the eye and bumped to the ground during a game against the Connecticut Sun in 2025.
“When will these ladies realize, accept, and appreciate @CaitlinClark22 is the best thing that ever happened to women’s basketball. This is a bad look for the sport and what’s happened to sportsmanship?” Evert posted on X.
Meanwhile, several tennis stars have expressed their admiration for Clark, including Alexandra Eala. Speaking to Overtime Tennis at the Cincinnati Open, Eala was asked which NBA or WNBA player she would compare herself to. The Filipina promptly chose Clark, describing her as “insane.”
“Let me preface by saying I don’t think I know enough about NBA or WNBA but I would be remiss not to choose Caitlin Clark. She’s amazing. I think she’s insane. Hey Caitlin. I’m Alex, nice to meet you,” Eala said.
The likes of Coco Gauff and Serena Williams have also showered Caitlin Clark with praise, with Williams particularly impressed by her “maturity.”
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