Martina Navratilova honored by Czech parliament in Prague

WATCH: Martina Navratilova announced she's cancer-free this spring | Tennis Channel Live

Nearly 50 years ago, Martina Navratilova fled what was then Czechoslovakia, risking it all for her tennis future. Earlier this week, the Hall of Famer was back in her homeland, now the Czech Republic, to receive an award from parliament in honor of the tennis career that came from that decision.

Navratilova was in Prague Tuesday to receive the silver medal of the president of the Senate, and was presented the honor by upper house chief Milos Vystrcil for outstanding achievement and the courage to be herself, he said.

"We lived in a cage, and you had the strength and courage to break that cage and fly out of it," he said in a statement. "You gained your freedom and became the best tennis player in the world. And you suffered and your family suffered. But you stuck to your guns. Sometimes, you have to suffer when you get your way. We should remember that.

"You have spoken openly about who you are and with whom you are, and in doing so you have helped a large number of people with a similar fate. You have helped and are helping the weak and vulnerable, those who have less than you. You are brave and never give up. In life, just like on the tennis court."

Navratilova defected from Czechoslovakia in 1975 as a teenager due to disputes with the communist regime of the time.

Navratilova called the award an honor, particularly in the aftermath of her recent battle with breast and throat cancers. She announced her diagnoses in January, but returned to work at Tennis Channel cancer-free in March.

"When the email came from Mr. Vystrcil saying I would receive the silver medal, it was some time in February, when I had some health difficulties," she said in her speech before parliament. "I said to myself, 'Are they afraid I'll die before they give it to me?'"

Recalling her defection, Navratilova continued: "It's my only regret, but I had to do it. I have always tried to represent my country in the best way and I will continue to try. But you don't realize how it will turn out with other people around me. My sister suffered a lot, I won't even talk about my parents. I appreciate this medal so much."

After the ceremony, Navratilova told reporters that she was glad that no Czech child today has to face the impossible choice she made all those years ago.

“I’m happy that both tennis and sport are more international," she told Czech media. "That people, especially children, have the opportunity to do sports, reach the top and win. But there’s still a way to go for those who don’t have that opportunity. There is always room for improvement, but things are way better than in my day, and no children have to escape from Czechia at least.”