WIMBLEDON, England — At 61, Martina Navratilova was the oldest of the 16 participants in the Wimbledon women’s invitational doubles, an exhibition event for retired players during the second week of the tournament.
Navratilova owns another superlative, according to her peers: most competitive.
“Martina, hands down,” said Marion Bartoli, laughing. “Without any doubt for one second, not even half a second.”
In an event that often fits into the “hit-and-giggle” category of tennis exhibition matches — last year’s viral moment was Kim Clijsters encouraging a large male fan to put on one of her skirts — Navratilova’s professionalism and dedication shines through.