Navratilova Savors Applause, Romps in Opener

Her stomach queasy after a four-hour case of pre-tournament nerves, Martina Navratilova made yet another trip to Centre Court at Wimbledon on Monday and found herself serenaded by the soothing sound of applause.

But this was no ordinary ovation. This was for the nine singles championships. For the 22 years she has graced Wimbledon’s stately courts. For her striking emotion, which has always been worn on her sweatbands.

So Navratilova, 37, who is retiring from full-time play at year’s end, let the noise rain down on her. Oddly enough, it calmed her fears, allowing the fourth-seeded Navratilova to dispense quickly of England’s Claire Taylor, 6-2, 6-3.

This was Navratilova’s 126th singles match at Wimbledon, Taylor’s first as a senior player. As they walked onto the court, Navratilova turned to Taylor, 19, and told her to cherish the moment.

“Turn around and enjoy it,” she said. “This doesn’t happen very often.”

The applause went on and on and Navratilova said she found herself thinking, “Wait, I haven’t played yet.”

Once she did play, things went as planned.

Taylor, understandably nervous, committed numerous unforced errors. Navratilova took advantage of the inexperience and soon left with an easy victory.

“Yes, I like grass and it likes me,” Navratilova said. “My game suits it perfectly and I’m very happy playing here. So this is the setting for me, for my game, as well as my heart.

“But you know, that doesn’t win matches. You still have to win that last point.”

Navratilova didn’t survive the first round of the French Open and was beaten in a Wimbledon warm-up tournament at Eastbourne. Expectations were mixed.

You wouldn’t have known it Monday. She might have been the oldest competitor in the field, but she didn’t play like it. Her only admission of age? An ice pack wrapped around her left wrist.

“I’ve had a bad wrist for three years now,” she said. “But if I do this it feels better.”

And if she continues to win, the people of Centre Court feel the same way. Happy. Healthy. Witnesses to Navratilova’s final run at history and a 10th Wimbledon singles championship.