Martina Navratilova realised a long-held ambition on Thursday, playing against Martina Hingis, in the Filderstadt Grand Prix. Navratilova, and her doubles partner Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, faced Hingis and Anna Kournikova, and lost 6-3 6-4.
Speaking after the match, which the younger pair dominated, Navratilova said: ""It was a great feeling. I have wanted to play against Martina for such a long time now, ever since she played her first tournament in 1994." Hingis was named after Navratilova, but the pair had never met in a competitive match before.
"When I look back now, one of the things I am most proud of in my career is the fact I have played against all the great players in the last 30 years or so. It gives me chills when I think about it." Hingis has some way to go if she wants to emulate her namesake's achievements, Navratilova having won 18 Grand Slam titles.
Elsewhere, Roger Federer increased his chances of qualifying for the ATP Masters Cup in Sydney, easing into the quarter finals of the CA Trophy in Vienna. The number four seed eliminated Albert Costa in straight sets, winning 7-6 6-2.
Filed by John Raftery
