Navratilova Wins 19th Title, Won’t Rule Out a Return

WIMBLEDON, England — Martina Navratilova and the Duchess of Kent are old pals. They met again at Centre Court, as the Duchess handed Navratilova her trophy for winning the mixed doubles with Jonathan Stark on Sunday, her 19th title at Wimbledon.

Navratilova is chasing history. Her 19 titles tie Elizabeth (Bunny) Ryan and leaves her one behind Billie Jean King.

The Stark-Navratilova pairing was a rushed affair. Navratilova, who retired from singles competition at the end of last season, had planned to play doubles with Steffi Graf. But Graf withdrew from doubles on the eve of the first round.

Navratilova said she suspected Graf might do just that and she contacted Stark--the day before the tournament began.

“The first time we met each other was right before we walked on court for our first-round match,” Stark said.

The pair made up in skill what they lacked in experience. They defeated Cyril Suk and Gigi Fernandez, 6-4, 6-4, in Sunday’s final.

Navratilova downplayed her interest in the record.

“I never really pursued any record with great vigor except for the ninth singles here,” she said. “That one meant a lot. The other ones just sort of came along because I played a lot. There is a lot of history. The record doesn’t matter at all. I just like winning here, period.”

Navratilova has clearly enjoyed playing at Wimbledon again, cavorting on court and interacting with the crowds. Even though she had to get permission to play from her new employer, HBO Sports, Navratilova seems to have again been bitten by the competitive bug.

As she had two weeks ago, Navratilova dropped hints that she might un-retire.

“Mike [Estep, her coach] is telling me I should play singles next year,” Navratilova said. “I don’t think I have the nerve for it. It’s just too nerve-racking. I can’t even think about it. But, you know, when the time comes, if I’m fit, I don’t know. I’m not ruling it out.”