WTT Q&A: Martina Navratilova
July 14, 2004 - World TeamTennis (WTT) News Release
Martina talked about her 16th appearance in the World TeamTennis (WTT) Pro League, as she prepares to lead the New York Buzz in the Eastern Conference. She will play her first match for the New York Buzz on Thursday, July 15, as the Buzz head to Philadelphia to take on the Philadelphia Freedoms. She will then travel to Mamaroneck on Saturday, July 17, to play the NY Sportimes. On Wednesday, July 21, Navratilova will play at home against the Hartford FoxForce and then travel to St. Louis to take on the Aces, Thursday, July 22. Her final two matches will be Friday, July 23, as the Buzz travel to Springfield to play the Lasers and finally Sunday, July 25, to Sacramento to play against the Capitals. For tickets contact: Philadelphia - 866-WTT-TIXS, Mamaroneck â 914 -777-5050, Schenectady â 518-378-BUZZ, St. Louis - 314-726- ACES, Springfield â 417-864-1339, Sacramento â 916-638-4001or visit www.WTT.com.
On playing World TeamTennis:
"I like it enough to keep coming back for more because tennis is such an individual sport and it's just nice to be on a team and to look over at the bench and talk to my teammates and coach on the changeovers. I like this concept and wish we had more of it. It's nice to be able to bring in the team and the coach and have that kind of combination."
On if this is her final year playing tennis and World TeamTennis:
"I'm planning on this being the last year, unless something happens which would make me play next year. That is the plan, for this to be the last year. The travel is not getting any easier with all the rules and regulations and flying around so it doesn't make it very pleasant. It's nice to be home, and I haven't been home much this year, so I'm looking forward to it. As far as World TeamTennis, who knows, it's a good way for me to stay in shape. If I'm in decent shape, I'm sure I will play. I wouldn't rule it out nor would I rule it in, we'll just see how I feel when the time comes. I'm planning on this year being my last year playing tournament tennis."
On her thoughts about the 2004 Olympics:
"It's probably better to talk about it afterwards because I don't know what the experience is going to be like. It's different in that you can't even bring your own coach, that's going to be very difficult. On many levels, getting your friends into seeing your matches, etc. because it's not a normal tennis tournament or event, so it's going to be a challenge. It will be a new experience but I always look forward to new experiences. I've only been to Greece once, so I'm looking forward to experiencing Athens and walking around and feeling the history there. As far as being a part of the Olympics, I'll probably be the oldest rookie out there that plays but that's ok with me, I'm looking forward to it."
On how she's maintained good physical condition over the years:
"Good genes, hard work and really what you eat. We really underestimate so much what we put into our bodies. It's amazing. To me that's the key. You can only get out what you put in. It's not just mental, but physical. You can't work out if you don't put in the proper fuel to fuel your body. I've been doing pretty well with that for about 25 years now, so I think that's been the biggest key in why I'm able to play this well and move this well and not have any injuries."
On what retirement will look like for her:
"I have no idea, but I'm thinking about starting a tennis academy because the kids that are out there are great hitters of the ball, but there's not as many great players... I would like to see more artists out there. You have to develop that from an early age, you don't learn how to play the game at 25. I don't see anybody really teaching the strategy of how to play points. I don't see the kids coming out with an all-around game of tennis as well as thinking of how to play the game. You don't see that much strategy, so I'm thinking about opening an academy that would be all encompassing to create the best possible tennis player that can be."
On whether she would like to see the length of the WTT season expanded:
"I played 44 games back in the 70s and played a four month season, about six weeks leading up to Wimbledon and all the way through the US Open, which was rough but a lot of fun. You really get to know your teammates. It's a better opportunity to create the familiarity feel with your hometown because you play so many more matches. I would love to see the season longer and more people playing the whole season and really getting in to it, especially for the younger players because they really learn a lot about the game by playing TeamTennis... If I had a junior that I was teaching to play the game, I would definitely send them to play World TeamTennis."
World TeamTennis Stories from July 14, 2004
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
