Fresh off her Sky Sports commentary at Indian Wells, tennis icon Martina Navratilova is back in South Florida. While she boasts an incredible record of 167 singles and 177 doubles titles, her current focus is on tennis analysis and motherhood.
The upcoming Miami Open excites her as it blends both worlds. Last year was significant for Navratilova and her wife Julia Lemigova, as they welcomed two young boys into their family through adoption.
“It’s my local tournament,” Navratilova shared with wtatennis.com. “I’ll drop the kids at school and then head to work for an early shift at the Tennis Channel. Talk about an easy commute! Julia will handle school pick-up.”
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and cancer survivor, remains energetic at 68. She reflected on Indian Wells and provided her insights on the Miami Open, the fourth WTA 1000 event of the season, which kicks off main draw action on Tuesday.
Five Key Questions for the Top 5 Players
1. How will World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka recover from recent tough losses?
Navratilova: She needs to reset her approach to handling defensive pressure like she faced from Andreeva. Instead of overpowering opponents, she should focus on constructing winning points. She was making too many errors. It’s about rediscovering the patience that propelled her to No. 1 initially.
2. Iga Swiatek hasn’t secured a title since Roland Garros last year and has shown frustration this year. Should we be concerned?
Navratilova: She’s displayed moments of frustration, some directed towards her team. While the specifics are unclear, managing emotions will be crucial, as she can become visibly agitated. Confidence seems to be a struggle, leading to frustration when things don’t go smoothly. Her talent is undeniable, but maintaining a positive mindset is key. However, it’s important to remember her consistent success over the past few years and her previous win at this Miami event.
3. Coco Gauff turned 21 last week and has been a prominent player for six years. How do you assess her game?
Navratilova: I’m confident she’ll regain her form. She faces intense scrutiny everywhere. Technically, her serve has improved more than results suggest, but her forehand remains a work in progress. While others share a similar grip, hers is quite extreme. Analyzing Swiatek’s forehand could offer valuable insights—minor adjustments can make a significant impact. Swiatek’s contact point is likely more consistent, and refining this could help Gauff counter opponents targeting her forehand.
4. How will Jessica Pegula’s early loss to Svitolina at Indian Wells affect her confidence and performance?
Navratilova: Losing early in a major tournament is never ideal, but Svitolina is a formidable opponent who makes every match physically demanding. It’s not necessarily a setback but a reminder for Pegula to elevate her game against top-tier players. Miami’s conditions are more favorable to her style, offering a good opportunity to regroup and aim for a strong tournament run.
5. Which version of Madison Keys will define her season? The Grand Slam contender from Melbourne or the player still adapting to the pressures?
Navratilova: Her Australian Open performance was a significant breakthrough. However, in Indian Wells, she faced Sabalenka, who was exceptionally sharp. The unfavorable conditions should be disregarded. When momentum shifts negatively, it can happen rapidly. Madison employs big, looping swings, whereas Sabalenka has a more compact and efficient swing, which was advantageous in that weather. Keys needs to overcome any lingering doubts, as that performance wasn’t representative of her true ability.
Key Takeaways from Andreeva’s Title Run
What were your thoughts on the Indian Wells final?
Navratilova: It was incredible from a tennis perspective, with momentum swings and Mirra Andreeva’s past struggles converting break points against Sabalenka. Despite being 0-for-18 against Sabalenka this year on break points, and failing to convert initially in the final – I thought she was about to break down. But she recovered remarkably. Perhaps being 17 is an advantage, as she lacks extensive past disappointments. I’m sure her coach Conchita Martinez offered helpful guidance from the box. Ultimately, holding your nerve is essential, regardless of external advice.
Does Andreeva remind you of any 17-year-olds from tennis history?
Navratilova: Mirra is a well-rounded player. I see similarities with Carlos Alcaraz. While she may not have the raw power of some, she hits the ball exceptionally well, especially down the line, and defends effectively. Her ability to transition from defense to offense reminded me of Alcaraz. She had Sabalenka questioning her strategy – ‘What must I do to win this point?’ That’s the feeling opponents often have against him.
And at only 17, her playing style is reminiscent of Justine Henin. She utilizes slice and is excellent hitting down the line on both wings. Henin was known for attacking the down-the-line return and her movement. However, Mirra possesses a bigger serve and overall game. And her drop shots are effective. The slice caused Sabalenka problems. Men’s tennis has effectively used the slice for the past 10-15 years, and now women are increasingly recognizing its value.
Could Andreeva win in Miami and achieve three consecutive WTA 1000 titles?
Navratilova: Why not? It’s an amazing prospect, a significant challenge, but… physically, she’s clearly fit. But managing so many matches consecutively? We’ll see. This is a new experience for her. After Miami, she can rest before the European clay court season. It’s possible. I was surprised she defeated Sabalenka in Indian Wells. I considered it possible but unlikely. Yet, she won. She found a way.
Final Thoughts
How will the Indian Wells standouts capitalize on their momentum?
Navratilova: Miami will present a new challenge with faster courts and different conditions, plus a quick transition. For Sabalenka, it’s another rapid turnaround after a tough loss, similar to the situation after the Australian Open. How she and others adapt physically, emotionally, and strategically will be a crucial storyline. Expect Swiatek and Gauff to be strong contenders as they adjust to the different pace. This month is demanding for all players, with two consecutive WTA 1000 events in different parts of the country. It’s rare for players to win both Indian Wells and Miami consecutively. Ultimately, success will depend on who feels freshest and most comfortable on these courts.
