Tennis: Navratilova will serve and volley here

As if catching Serena Williams and other leading women's players isn't enough, Singapore tennis fans will also be able to catch Martina Navratilova at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore, presented by SC Global, from Oct 17 to 26 at the Indoor Stadium.

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced yesterday that Navratilova, one of the greatest in the history of the game, will compete at the inaugural WTA Legends event.

The WTA has also chosen to honour Navratilova by creating the official WTA Finals Doubles Trophy in her name.

"Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest, brightest and talented players to ever step on a tennis court. She never left any stone unturned in her quest for excellence," said WTA chairman & CEO, Stacey Allaster.

"With more doubles titles than any other player in WTA history, it is fitting to create the WTA Finals Doubles champion trophy (in her name) to permanently recognise Martina's contributions and inspire generations to come.

"We are thrilled for our fans that she will be playing in the Legends event. Her passion and unrivalled knowledge of the game make her a perfect fit to promote women's tennis to kids and fans across South-east Asia and beyond."

An eight-time singles champion and 11-time doubles champion at the WTA Finals, Navratilova, 57, will also participate in community youth programmes here aimed at inspiring young girls to play the sport.

Her participation for the Legends event means she will be back in the company of Chris Evert, who is the ambassador for the WTA Championships in Singapore.

Their rivalry stretched from 1973 to 1988 and is considered to be one of the greatest in the history of sports.

"Playing at the WTA's season finale provided some of the most memorable moments of my career, so I am honoured to be in a position to support the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore," said Navratilova, who won 59 Grand Slam titles (18 singles, 31 women's doubles, 10 mixed doubles) before retiring in 2006.

FANTASTIC COMPETITION

"I look forward to a week of fantastic competition in singles and doubles, and to helping grow a love of our sport among fans of all ages in Singapore."

Sale of tickets for the general public for the WTA Finals Singapore kicked off yesterday through Sports Hub Tix.

For more information, log on to www.sportshub.com.sg/WTAFinal or visit the Singapore Indoor Stadium Box Office.

Ticket prices start from $16.90, excluding booking fee. A limited number of ground passes will be available for purchase on the week of the event from Oct 20 to 26, granting visitors access to the fan festival, fan zone and player practice sessions.

aakasim@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on June 03, 2014.
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