09.11.06
Navratilova’s final pro tennis match a winner
Even in her final pro match, Martina Navratilova was eager to get going. “Anytime, darling,” she told the chair umpire before he signaled for play to start.
A month shy of her 50th birthday, Navratilova closed out her competitive career Saturday night in fitting fashion: a mixed doubles championship at the U.S. Open for her 59th Grand Slam title. Martina played before an appreciative crowd that stood and cheered throughout the final game.
“See, if you play long enough, good things happen,” she told the fans. “I should know.”
“It’s been quite a run,” she said.
The mixed doubles final was played at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York right after Maria Sharapova beat Justine Henin-Hardenne for the women’s singles title. The lower bowl was mostly filled as the match went past 11 p.m., with fans eager to see one of tennis’ greats. She made it worth their wait.
“It’s just nice to go with a win,” she said. “I knew I was going to play great tonight.”