Wonder Woman Martina
© EPA
Sunday, July 6, 2003
Martina Navratilova made history on Centre Court this evening by equalling Billie Jean King's record of 20 Wimbledon titles.
The Czech-born American, who first played at The Championships 30 years ago, partnered Leander Paes to take their second Grand Slam mixed title of the year and the delight was written all over her face.
Navratilova also made history by being the oldest player to win a major title at Wimbledon at the age of 46.
Speaking on court to BBC television presenter Sue Barker after the match, she said: "The last one [title] I won here was eight years ago and I never thought I'd play here again. The best thing that happened to me was being dumped by my mixed doubles partner. The same thing happened to Leander at the US Open and here we are."
It was clear from the start of the match that the number five seeds would have no trouble disposing of Israeli-Russian duo Andy Ram and Anastassia Rodionova. The young pair were under no illusions either, smiling and soaking up the atmosphere of their first Wimbledon final together.
Ram, who had only played one tour doubles match this season before coming to Wimbledon, probably never imagined that he would find himself in the finals after the injury -prone year he suffered in 2002.
Having been out for 10 months with two separate injuries - a knee cartilage problem that forced him on to crutches for three months, as well as a back injury - today's encounter was almost dreamlike and he was certainly going to enjoy it.
Despite losing the first set 6-3 in under 30 minutes, the underdogs were not disheartened. Rodionova disappeared off court for a medical time-out but bounced back full of energy.
The fact that Martina was older and female did not deter Ram who hammered ground strokes at her from all angles at the start of the second set. But her experience told and, like a wall, she stood her ground.
Coupled with Paes' s spectacular volleying and Becker-like dives around the court, the pair gave Ram and Rodionova no break-point opportunities throughout the match. They, on the other hand, had seven and took their opportunities to take the match 6-3, 6-3.
Paes, who secured the match on a winning volley down the centre of the court, was clearly overwhelmed to be playing with the star and bowed to her as the umpire read out the final score. Speaking afterwards he said: "Thank you Martina for letting me be your vehicle to greatnesss."
Written by Helen Gilbert
