Top Four Meet at Manhattan Beach : Navratilova, Evert, Graf, Mandlikova and Others Compete

The primary question about Martina Navratilova at last year’s Virginia Slims of Los Angeles tournament didn’t center on her tennis game, or on the chances of her opponents at Manhattan Beach.

No, her dominance on the court was so firmly established, so complete, it was almost a foregone conclusion Navratilova would walk away with the championship.

Which brings us to the real problem Navratilova had last year here. Where was her dog?

Navratilova’s favorite canine had wandered away during the week and immediately became the object of a frantic search, culminating in a last-minute return just before Navratilova met Chris Evert in the final.

With that part over, she defeated Evert, 7-6, 6-3. My Life as Martina’s Dog proved to be much more gripping than last year’s installment of tennis.

This year’s story at the Manhattan Country Club--helped along with the addition of two, key characters--should keep the attention riveted to the court.

The 56-player field features the top four women players in the world and 7 of the top 10. Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Evert and Hana Mandlikova--the top four--haven’t played in the same tournament since the French Open in late May.

“I’m looking at it right now and it’s a pretty scary draw,” said Pam Shriver, who is ranked No. 5. “It’s as tough as heck. You’d expect that, especially with less than a month before the U.S. Open.”

So when Graf and Mandlikova accepted wild cards last Monday, Shriver didn’t feel at all reluctant about pulling out of the Los Angeles singles draw. She hadn’t expected to play singles and doubles for the United States in Federation Cup two weeks ago but was pressed into service when Navratilova injured an ankle playing basketball. During the competition, Shriver aggravated a groin pull and felt she should concentrate on doubles here.

“It’ll be a great week for me to catch everyone in action,” Shriver said.

For the top four, Manhattan Beach should prove to be an important measuring stick of progress heading into the U.S. Open. Shriver thinks this tournament will be probably more important for Navratilova than the others.

“Martina hasn’t played since she won Wimbledon,” Shriver said. “And she’s still No. 1. Who has the most to lose? Martina.”

Graf, at No. 2, would still seem to have the least to lose. Now 18, she has a Grand Slam title to her credit (the French Open) and also the knowledge that she forced Navratilova to play her very best at Wimbledon.

Obviously, not to be overlooked in any sense, are Evert and Mandlikova. Evert already holds one tournament victory over Navratilova and played a superb match against her longtime rival in the Wimbledon semifinals. The strength of the Manhattan Beach field may be enough for Evert to approach it as she would a Grand Slam event.

Still, despite the presence of Graf, Evert, Mandlikova and such outside threats as Helena Sukova and Gabriela Sabatini at Manhattan Beach, Shriver doesn’t foresee a shaky week for Navratilova.

Tennis Notes

Among those who qualified on Sunday for the main draw were France’s Pascale Paradis and Marie-Christine Calleja, Elly Hakami of Tiburon, Calif., Camille Benjamin of Bakersfield, Tina Mochizuki of South Pasadena, Brazil’s Niege Dias, South Africa’s Karen Schimper and NCAA champion Patty Fendick of Sacramento. . . . Bettina Bunge (No. 9), Catarina Lindqvist (No. 10) and Kate Gompert (No. 13) are the only seeded players in action today. Melissa Gurney, 18, of Palos Verdes meets Sabrina Goles in a featured night match at 7. First-round play begins at 9 a.m.