Martina 'better than Serena'

Martina 'better than Serena'

Exclusive by Jonathan Overend
BBC Sport tennis commentator

Martina Navratilova won her 57th Grand Slam title in Australia

Martina Navratilova reckons that at her peak during the 1980s she was good enough to beat current world number one Serena Williams.

When asked by BBC Sport who would win a match between Serena at the moment and Martina at her best, Navratilova insisted she would have more than held her own.

"I think I'd be OK at the moment but if she reaches her potential she may have the edge," said the nine-times Wimbledon singles champion.

"She's certainly making her mark, but she's only getting started and though she has the potential to be an all-time great she's got to do it over a long period."

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Williams, still only 21, is defending her title at the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami and is making comfortable progress through the draw.

Some observers feel the sisters will soon get bored with their domination of the women's game.

"Can she keep it up? Who knows." said Navratilova, speaking at the launch of the Laureus World Sports Awards.

She's right up there already and I'm proud to be in her company, but she does have flaws

Martina on Serena

"Will she still be interested? I hope so."

Navratilova's comments come as the younger Williams sister builds up towards a possible fifth successive Grand Slam victory at the French Open.

Her victory at the Australian Open in January put her among an elite group of open-era women (Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Margaret Court) to have held all four major titles simultaneously.

"She's bigger, she's faster, she's stronger and she can be better than all of us," says Navratilova who, at 46, is still competing on the tour in doubles competitions.

"She's right up there already and I'm proud to be in her company, but she does have flaws."

Navratilova was also victorious in Melbourne, partnering Leander Paes to the mixed doubles title for an incredible 57th Grand Slam title.

"It was really unexpected," she said. "You think you can win any match you go into, but to win a tournament is different.

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"I didn't really think about the possibility until the quarter-finals. It was a thrill as sweet as any I've had."

She confirmed she intends to play at Wimbledon, where she will try to add another doubles trophy to her collection.

"Of course I'll be there, I'd have to be on one leg not to turn up.

"I'll be having a blast every step of the way when I get to Wimbledon, why do you think I'm doing this?!"