Martina Navratilova is the record winner in Wimbledon with nine individual wins (1978, 1979, 1982-1987, 1990). The 61-year-old American won a total of 20 titles at Church Road, the last mixed in 2003 – at 46. Navratilova works during the tournament as a commentator for the BBC.
By Jörg Allmeroth from Wimbledon
tennisnet: Mrs Navratilova, two German semi-finalists in Wimbledon. How surprised you are by this success?
Martina Navratilova: Angelique Kerber and Julia Görges stand for a strong German tennis generation. And both simply have the potential for these victories so far, for this very good run in Wimbledon. However, it took Julia much longer to see and use her potential here in particular.
tennisnet: Will Görges have a chance against Serena Williams?
Navratilova: She should enter the match with confidence and confidence because she is one of the strongest and most convincing players in the last twelve months. The big question is: How does she cope with this mental challenge? facing Serena in the Wimbledon semi-final. And even for the first time in a Wimbledon match on the Centre Court. It’s gonna be a tough test for her nerves.
tennisnet: What is particularly important for Görges?
Navratilova: She must serve safely and confidently. Dominate her own service games and then attack when Serena offers her chances. Julia has beaten more aces than Serena so far, 44 to 39, and she is also a good doubles player, so she should have the courage to take the offensive.
tennisnet: Kerber has had a strong Grand Slam season so far, she is now also playing in Wimbledon in the form of her top season 2016.
Navratilova: In fact, she made an impressive comeback. She just finished the disappointing year 2017 by pressing the restart button – and is very concentrated and consistent in her game. Against the refreshing Daria Kasatkina she also scored especially with her outstanding physique, with her fast legs. She literally ran to death at every point.
tennisnet: The duel against Latvia’s Elena Ostapenko is a duel between two Grand Slam winners, Ostapenko won the French Open last year. What do you expect?
Navratilova: A game with a really uncertain outcome, perhaps with very slight advantages for Kerber. Ostapenko has so far shown a class tournament, their self-confidence seems to grow with every victory. But Kerber is, of course, by far the toughest opponent who opposes her. This is gonna be an exciting fight.