Navratilova Unable to Play in L.A. Tournament

Martina Navratilova, the No. 1-seeded player in the $250,000 Virginia Slims of Los Angeles tennis tournament, withdrew because of a pinched nerve in her neck, it was announced Tuesday.

Navratilova, who won the singles and mixed doubles and reached the final in women’s doubles at Wimbledon, noticed the problem while playing there, according to Peter Johnson, vice president of the International Management Group, and Navratilova’s personal representative.

“She has had this problem in the past,” Johnson said. “She first noticed it (this time) at Wimbledon, but it was certainly not enough to prevent her from continuing to play. She has not played since Wimbledon, but has been running and lifting (weights).

“Last Saturday, she had been lifting and woke up Sunday with her neck killing her. She called the WTA (Women’s Tennis Assn.) on Monday and notified them that she would be unable to play the Los Angeles event.”

Kevin Diamond, director of public relations for the tournament, said that there would be no refunds on tickets already sold. “That would be comparable to asking for refunds on Angels’ tickets if Reggie Jackson breaks his leg,” he said.

The tournament is left with 7 of the top 10 women players. The No. 1 seeded player now will be Hana Mandlikova, who has defeated both Chris Evert Lloyd and Navratilova this year. Mandlikova is ranked No. 3 in the world.

Also in the tournament will be Helena Sukova, ranked No. 6, who defeated Navratilova in the semifinals of the ’84 Australian Open; Pam Shriver, who is ranked No. 4; Zina Garrison, No. 7; Claudia Kohde-Kilsch, No. 8; Wendy Turnbull, No. 9, and Kathy Rinaldi, No. 10.

Carling Bassett, who is ranked 15th in the world, will be the eighth-seeded player in the tournament.