shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > Many female players can replace Serena as World No 1 says Navratilova

Many female players can replace Serena as World No 1, says Navratilova

Updated on: 19 March,2015 08:30 AM IST  | 
Amit Kamath |

Tennis legend Martina believes many players have the potential to replace the American for the top spot, but feels it will be difficult while Williams is still playing

Many female players can replace Serena as World No 1, says Navratilova

Serena Williams celebrates her win over fellow American Sloane Stephens during the Indian Wells Open yesterday. Inset: Martina Navratilova

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who recently joined the coaching team of World No 8 Agnieszka Radwanska, believes many female players have the potential to dethrone Serena Williams as World No 1 but adds that Serena "will have to quit first to give somebody else a chance".

Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova 


"Replace Serena as No 1, who knows? There are plenty of players that have the possibility and the capability but who can rise to the occasion? I mean, anybody can be No 1 in the world… but you're talking about pretty big shoes to fill. So who can get to No 1?

It would be interesting if someone could do it while Serena's still playing, but she has to quit first to give somebody else a chance," Navratilova, who is a Laureus World Sports Academy Member, said about the American tennis ace who is in contention for her third Laureus Sportswoman of the Year award this year (she won in 2003 and 2010).

Serena Williams celebrates her win over fellow American Sloane Stephens during the Indian Wells Open yesterday. Pics/Getty Images,AFP Serena Williams celebrates her win over fellow American Sloane Stephens during the Indian Wells Open yesterday. Pics/Getty Images,AFP


Navratilova, who has 59 Grand Slam titles (18 singles, 31 doubles titles and 10 mixed doubles) to her name, also said she would relish the opportunity to face-off against Serena.


She even has a game strategy outlined to tackle the reigning World No 1, who overtook the Czech's 18 Grand Slam titles by winning the Australian Open earlier this year.

"I think I would play my game, which is come to the net, most of all, try to mix it up with uneven rhythm, keep the ball low, hit a lot of slices and run her on the diagonal as much as possible. She's such a big first striker of the ball, so you need to neutralise that. Get her on the run and keep her out of rhythm. Don't give her time to hit the ball," Navratilova added.

It remains to be seen whether the Czech tennis legend has passed on these tips to her understudy Radwanska and if she has, whether she can actually dethrone Serena.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK