Navratilova sees her future in coaching role

MELBOURNE: Tennis great Martina Navratilova yesterday revealed she wants to become a coach, joining a growing number of former stars teaming up with the game’s top players.

She said it didn’t matter if she coached a man or woman, as long as they got along.

“I’ve had some possibilities but nothing specific yet,” the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion said.

“I love coaching and I love helping people at whatever level. I think my biggest contribution would be at the top level because I’ve been there, done that.

“I’m sure that (calls) will come, and I’ll be helping somebody on the court, sitting in the box, sweating it out.”

If her wish comes true, Navratilova will join a host of “super-coaches” that have flooded the men’s game.

Andy Murray blazed the trail, forging an unlikely bond with the stony-faced Ivan Lendl to end his run of four major final defeats at the 2012 US Open.

Since then, Boris Becker has ditched the commentator’s microphone to guide Novak Djokovic, Stefan Edberg is working with Roger Federer and Michael Chang is advising Kei Nishikori.

Meanwhile, France’s Richard Gasquet has hired two-time Roland Garros winner Sergi Bruguera and former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic is in the corner of Marin Cilic.

“It could be a man or a woman. It doesn’t matter if the mix is right,” Navratilova said. “You have to get along emotionally.” – Sapa-AFP