The 70s and 80s are often regarded as the most defining era of women’s tennis. However, despite having some of the biggest names in the sport compete against each other, it was Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert who led the era with utmost grace. The Czech-American player was known for her aggressive serve and volley game. A style of play that took a back seat with time.

After dominating the game for two decades, Navratilova announced her retirement from the singles format in 1994. However, she continued to play doubles and mixed doubles till 2006. Even though the 59-time Grand Slam champion tried adapting her game to the modern era, her gameplay was still dominated by the serve and volley technique. Following her retirement, she called out players like Roger Federer and Justine Henin for not encompassing old-school tennis in their game.

Martina Navratilova calls out players for differing from the old school game

Following her 59th Grand Slam win at the 2006 US Open, Navratilova indulged in a conversation with a media house. During the conversation, she expressed her disappointment at not seeing the serve and volley game in modern tennis.

Getting into the conversation, she started by asserting, “That’s a difficult thing now, because of the rackets, but I think I played tennis the way it’s supposed to be played: with some variety.”

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT

‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival

April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT

‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence

February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Martina Navratilova Reacts as She Got to Know About a New Burger Joint Involving Donald Trump

Catching from the time when Navratilova left the singles format, one can recall the building up of the Federer and Henin generation. The two steadily climbed the ladder of success to be counted on the list of the greatest players of all time.

Similar to the tennis world, Navratilova also addressed them as great players. However, it didn’t stop her from questioning their style of play. “You see glimpses of it (serve and volley game) with Justine Henin, with (Amelie) Mauresmo, and of course (Roger) Federer, but as great as they are, they aren’t complete tennis players.  

Even though the tennis world considers Roger Federer and other members of the ‘Big Three’ as more or less complete tennis players, that doesn’t seem to be the case with Navratilova. Going ahead in the conversation, she ended by saying, “Nobody really wants to chip and charge to the net. It would be fun to see more complete tennis.”

Do you agree with the views of Navratilova? Would you like the players in the modern era to utilize the serve and volley style more?