After her appearance at this year’s Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan, the tennis legend made her way to the YONEX Country Club in Niigata on September 22nd, and enjoyed a game of golf. At the beginning of the first round, YONEX president Ben Yoneyama presented Martina with a gold racquet as a gift in recognition of her incredible achievements and commitment to YONEX. Martina was very pleased to receive such a thoughtful gift and was impressed by the gesture.
After making the long trip down to Niigata from Tokyo, Martina also expressed interest in seeing YONEX’s main factory, shortening her golf game to allow more time for her factory visit. Giving Martina the tour of the factory was none other than YONEX founder Minoru Yoneyama, resuming the same affinity for one another as when Martina first signed with YONEX in the 1980s. Martina listened attentively as Minoru gave a detailed explanation of the production process. Martina was surprised to learn just how much work goes into YONEX’s racquets, and encouraged the factory to keep up its good work.
Along with our current players, YONEX also teams with legendary veteran players like Martina Navratilova to further its commitment to sports around the world.