Reese Witherspoon is producing a documentary about out tennis legend Martina Navratilova.

Navratilova, a beloved former tennis world number one, was one of the first out players at the top of a major sport, coming out in 1981.

The retired Czech-American player and LGBT rights pioneer, now 61, married longtime girlfriend Julia Lemigova in 2014 after proposing at the US Open.

The player will be the subject of a new documentary film produced by Legally Blonde star Reese Witherspoon.

Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine is developing the doc from out Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Glenn Greenwald and Suzanne Gilbert. 

Variety reports the film will explore Navratilova’s achievements and legacy as a social justice pioneer, through Greenwald’s “personal lens as a gay child growing up in Reagan-era Florida.”

Charlotte Koh, head of digital media and programming for Hello Sunshine: “The issues raised by Martina’s legacy resonate now more than ever, which is why it’s so important to tell her story to new generations of engaged young people who may not be aware of the vital role she played in shaping expectations around female identity and LGBT equality.

“Having producers Glenn and Suzanne reframe Martina’s impact on society through the lens of Glenn’s personal coming-of-age journey creates a fresh, intimate, and relatable film for a wide audience.”

Greenwald added: “As monumental as Martina’s on-court achievements were, they pale in comparison to her role as a pioneer and trailblazer on questions of feminism, women’s athletics, equality for gay and lesbians across the planet, transgender visibility, immigrant rights, and the right of political dissent. 

“I’m excited to be partnering with Reese and Hello Sunshine to explore her truly enduring legacy, her remarkable courage directly or indirectly inspiring millions of people who lacked any other role models.”

Greenwald won a Pulitzer in 2014 for reporting on the Edward Snowden leaks. He now writes for The Intercept, where is known for frequently-critical coverage of the Mueller investigation of Donald Trump.

Navratilova has been outspoken on LGBT rights for decades – speaking out about Russia’s anti-gay laws, calling out religious homophobia, and advocating for same-sex partnership rights.

Pinknews