Martina rues virus effect on record chasers

Grand Slam great Martina Navratilova believes the current generation of tennis superstars face a threat to their place in history due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Roger Federer leads the men’s all-time list on 20 singles titles, while Serena Williams is an agonising one major win away from matching Margaret Court’s women’s record of 24.

Navratilova, who won 59 grand slam titles in total, believes the shutdown is bound to have an adverse effect on those building their legacies as they prepare to exit the sport.

In an interview with Laureus.com, Navratilova said: “For players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, it’s time lost.

“Particularly Serena, Wimbledon being her best chance to break Margaret Court’s record. She’s stuck on 23 and tries to get to 24, maybe 25.

“It’s an opportunity lost when you’re not getting any younger. If I was sitting in that position I’d be going nuts that I can’t play.

“Everybody’s in the same boat, but for the old players like Roger and even Rafa (Nadal) and particularly Serena, it’s more difficult, no doubt about that.”

Navratilova won nine Wimbledon singles titles, said the coronavirusinduced lockdown means this will be the first year that she has not been in London for Wimbledon.

Navratilova added: “For tennis players, at New Year, we always toast Wimbledon. I have been coming to Wimbledon since I was 16. I have not missed one. Now it’s the first time without Wimbledon and I’m itching to get on a plane and just touch the grass.”