Navratilova ‘not finished’

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 50

Navratilova ‘not finished’

NZPA-AP Rome Martina Navratilova says she is “not finished yet,” in spite of four straight losses that have set the tennis world wondering whether she can still compete at age 30.

The world’s No. 1 for the past five years has failed to win any of the four tournaments she has competed in so far this year and her position as the undisputed world champion is now under siege from the West German teenager, Steffi Graf. She is upset at suggestions that her dismal run could be signalling the end of an illustrious career that has included seven Wimbledon singles titles. “A year ago, I felt I was closer to the end than I do now. I do not know why. Maybe it is because I’m being challenged. “But whatever, I can’t quit now; I want to go out when I’m ready and not because I’m being forced out.”

Navratilova was beaten in a semi-final of the Italian Open. “It is amazing how quick people are to jump the gun. They are always excited at the prospect of the champion being dethroned, no matter

what the sport. “But I’m not finished. I am not done yet. And it annoys me and disappoints me people are saying things like that.” Navratilova believes her recent downfall has been caused by a lack of confidence and her lack of ability y> fight in difficult situations. f “I’m not in despair, but I am disappointed , with myself for not fighting harder when I’m out there. I am working hard off the court but I am not willing to put myself on the line on the court.” Navratilova was ousted from the Italian Open in Rome last week-end by the improving Argentinian, Gabriela Sabatini, one of the players she names as part of the “new wave” ready to replace her and Chris EvertThough days had passed since her 7-6, 6-1 loss, Navratilova was still bitterly disappointed with her performance. “Essentially, I threw in the towel against Gabriela towards the end of the first set and that is shocking, it is ridiculous. But that will not happen again, I promise.” Navratilova is in no doubt that Graf will make life diffi-

cult for her in the coming months, but she believes she can rise again. , “I want to give it absolutely everything, and I haven’t done that. It might be difficult to live with should Steffi be better than me when I give it everything I’ve got. But at least I will know whether she is better than me or not. “I could never live with myself if I didn’t give it my best shot.” Navratilova will return to Rome this week for more heavy practice sessions and in the meantime will try to arrange to play in the Swiss Open in Geneva next week. “I need extra tournament match play, but at the moment I’m scheduled to play in an exhibition in Spain next week.” Navratilova is keen on the match practice because the French Open is only two weeks away. She has won the Paris tournament twice, but has never really felt comfortable on the slow red clay of the Roland Garros Stadium. “I want to prove to myself that I can play better on clay. I have won the title twice, but somehow it doesn’t seem enough.”