/ 9 January 2004

Navratilova finally calls it a day

Tennis great Martina Navratilova said on Thursday she plans to stick with a decision to retire for good at the end of the year.

Navratilova first quit in 1994, then returned six years later to play doubles.

”This time I know it’s my last year. I mean it. It’s just a good time to do other things,” the 47-year-old American told a news conference at a Hong Kong exhibition tournament.

Navratilova clinched a record-tying 20th Wimbledon crown last year, winning the mixed doubles contest with Indian Leander Paes.

The duo also took the Australian title last year.

In a stunning career that has spanned over two decades, Navratilova won 167 singles titles — more than any man or woman — and 173 doubles titles.

A native of Czechoslovakia, she defected to the United States in the 1970s.

Navratilova had previously raised the possibility of running for political office, but asked about her post-retirement plans on Thursday, Navratilova said simply, ”I just want a good personal life.” — Sapa-AP