Despite Triple, Navratilova Is Upset at Open

After winning three championships at the U.S. Open, Martina Navratilova complained.

Navratilova, who won the women’s singles Saturday, then teamed with Pam Shriver for the women’s doubles and Emilio Sanchez for the mixed doubles titles Monday, was upset about the scheduling at the tournament.

Navratilova, who became the first triple winner at a Grand Slam event since Billie Jean King in 1973, was annoyed that she and Sanchez had to play on the grandstand court against Betsy Nagelsen and Paul Annacone. She was thrilled to make some history but not happy with the setting.

Last Friday, Navratilova expressed dissatisfaction when she learned the women’s final was scheduled after both men’s semifinals Saturday rather than between, as had been customary.

Part of the reasoning for that was a forecast of rain. Tournament officials said they wanted to at least get in the men’s matches and, if necessary, would play both finals Sunday.

But Navratilova felt television was to blame. She noted that the semifinal match between Mats Wilander and Stefan Edberg was scheduled for 10 a.m.

“That’s ridiculous. Everything for TV,” she said. “I wish they would change it and play the women’s semifinals on Thursday, the men’s Friday, the women’s final Saturday and the men on Sunday.

“I don’t know where the hangup is. I’d rather be off television on Thursday for the semis and have a better schedule.”