Sabatini’s Win Over Navratilova Finishes Off Big Week in Japan

Less than two weeks ago, things weren’t looking too good for Gabriela Sabatini.

She was beaten, 6-1, 6-3, by Arantxa Sanchez Vicario in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and had been seeded fifth here even though she was ranked No. 4 in the world.

But after beating Martina Navratilova, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, Sunday in the final of the Pan Pacific Open, Sabatini was feeling a lot better. “The whole week was very good,” she said.

Sabatini advanced to the final by beating No. 1-ranked Steffi Graf in the quarterfinals and No. 5 Mary Joe Fernandez in the semifinals.

“I was very eager to win a tournament,” Sabatini said, adding that the victory over Graf “gave me a lot of confidence.”

Navratilova, ranked No. 3, was impressed. “She just beat the No. 1, No. 3 and No. 5 players in the world this week,” Navratilova said. “She is a big opponent for everybody.”

Sabatini earned $70,000.

Elizabeth Smylie and Kathy Jordan came from behind to defeat Australian Open winners Fernandez and Robin White, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, for the doubles title.