Champions Are Made, They Are Not Born

I now have an even better understanding of why Martina Navratilova is a champion. On Tuesday, Aug. 11, I was watching a match on Court No. 6 at the Virginia Slims tournament at Manhattan Beach. I had a clear view of Court No. 4, and to my surprise I saw Martina practicing with her coach in a very exhausting workout under the hot midday sun. With her work ethic, it should be no surprise that at 35 years of age she can still play and beat the best female tennis players in the world.

ALLEN MANN

Pacific Palisades