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Martina honoured at US Open
Only exceptional tennis players will manage to win 59 titles in their career, so, that's definitely a word unfit for tennis legend Martina Navratilova.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: February 25, 2007 10:40 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
New York:
Only exceptional tennis players will manage to win 59 titles in their career, so, that's definitely a word unfit for tennis legend Martina Navratilova. The soon to be 50-year-old, managed to win her 59th Grand Slam on Saturday night with Bob Bryan. And on Sunday night, world was up watching television and gave the most successful tennis player of all time, a fond farewell. The curtains were drawn on the illustrious career of Navratilova, the crowd at the Flushing Meadows and the rest of the world watched in awe and respect as the Tennis queen was honoured. She is arguably the world's most prolific women's tennis player. A day after winning her last grand slam title Martina Navratilova was inducted into the US Open Court of Champions. For the legend, it was time to be honoured by her contemporaries and in turn to honour all those responsible for an illustrious career, especially the fans. Phenomenal career The 59-time grand slam champion has had a phenomenal career, spanning 31 years. She's held several records, been at the top of the rankings, won on every surface and claimed an unmatched nine Wimbledon titles. But Navratilova isn't quite done her future plans, not surprisingly, have to do with what she's best at tennis. "I would love to do some coaching, and pass on the knowledge that I have acquired over the years to others. I would actually like to start a tennis academy that would teach kids how to serve volley on and off the tennis court," said Navratilova. Navratilova's last grand slam singles title came in 1990. Subsequently, she has won five more titles all in the mixed doubles event and with two partners she considers very special. "I want to thank my two mixed partners I've played with in the also few years, Leander Paes and Bob Bryan. Leander, for giving me two of the best tennis moments of my life and Bob for helping me win my last match," she said. "Let's face it, people love winners what a pleasure it was to play with them for their love and passion for the game. It's not about fame, it's not about money, it's about love and those guys are the true epitomy of that. Thanks," she further said. It's a passion that Martina herself has in great measure, but she is a true champion for reasons beyond the tennis court. "18 singles major titles, 9 wimbledon singles, 16 US Opens. I can go on and on with the numbers, but it's about the heart, the spirit, the soul of Martina Navratilova, and I'm pleased she's in the US Open court of champions," said Pam Shriver, Navratilova's Former Doubles Partner.Topics mentioned in this article
Tennis
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