Martina Navratilova, fresh off her Sky Sports commentary stint at Indian Wells and back home in South Florida, is gearing up for the Miami Open. The former champion, with 167 singles and 177 doubles titles, now focuses on tennis analysis and motherhood.
She’s excited about the Miami Open, as it combines both passions. Navratilova and her wife Julia Lemigova, who adopted two boys last year, are making the most of her home tournament.
“This is my local tournament,” Navratilova mentioned to wtatennis.com. “I’ll drop the children at school and head to work for an early shift at the Tennis Channel. Quite a commute! Julia will handle school pick-up.”
Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles winner and cancer survivor, remains energetic at 68. She reflected on Indian Wells and previewed the Miami Open, the fourth WTA 1000 event of the season, starting Tuesday.
Five Pressing Questions for the Top 5 Players
1. How will World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka recover from her recent losses?
Navratilova: Sabalenka needs to reset her approach to handling defensive pressure like Andreeva’s. She should aim to construct winning points rather than overpowering opponents, as she’s been missing too often. Returning to the patient approach that propelled her to No. 1 is crucial.
2. Iga Swiatek hasn’t secured a title since Roland Garros and has shown frustration this year. Should this be a concern?
Navratilova: Swiatek has displayed frustration, sometimes directed at her team. She needs better emotional management. Her confidence seems shaky, leading to agitation when things don’t go her way. Her skill is still evident, but a positive mindset is key. However, it’s important to remember her consistent success in recent years and her past victory at this event.
3. Coco Gauff, now 21 and a six-year presence at the top level, how would you assess her game?
Navratilova: I believe Gauff will regain her form. She faces intense scrutiny. Technically, her serve is better than results indicate, but her forehand is still a work in progress. Studying Swiatek’s forehand could be beneficial for minor, impactful adjustments, especially in contact point consistency to counter opponents targeting her forehand.
4. How does Jessica Pegula’s early loss to Svitolina at Indian Wells affect her confidence and form?
Navratilova: Early losses are tough, but Svitolina is a challenging, physical opponent. It’s not a major setback, but a reminder for Pegula to elevate her game against top players. Miami’s conditions suit her better, offering a chance to reset and aim for a deep tournament run.
5. Which version of Madison Keys will define her season: the Melbourne Grand Slam contender or the player still adapting to the pressure?
Navratilova: Australia was a significant breakthrough. In Indian Wells, she faced an exceptionally strong Sabalenka in tough conditions. That match should be dismissed. When things go wrong, they can quickly unravel. Keys has big, looping swings, while Sabalenka’s are more compact and effective in those conditions. Keys needs to overcome any lingering doubts because that performance isn’t representative of her true ability.
Key Takeaways from Andreeva’s Title Run
What are your thoughts on the Indian Wells final?
Navratilova: The final was incredible, with momentum shifts and Mirra Andreeva’s history of 0-for-18 break points against Sabalenka this year. Despite failing to convert initially, she regrouped amazingly. Perhaps her youth at 17, with no past baggage, helped. Coach Conchita Martinez’s guidance was surely beneficial, but ultimately, handling nerves is crucial.
Does Andreeva remind you of any past 17-year-olds?
Navratilova: Mirra is a complete player, reminding me of Carlos Alcaraz. While lacking the raw power of some, she hits the ball cleanly, especially down the line, and defends effectively. This defensive-to-offensive transition is Alcaraz-like. She had Sabalenka puzzled, similar to how opponents feel against Alcaraz.
At 17, her style resembles Justine Henin. She uses slice and excels down the line on both sides, like Henin’s aggressive return. However, Mirra has a bigger serve and overall game. And those drop shots! Her slice troubled Sabalenka. Men have used slice effectively for years, and women are now recognizing its value.
Can Andreeva win Miami, making it three consecutive WTA 1000 titles?
Navratilova: Why not? It’s a big challenge, but physically she’s clearly fit. The question is the cumulative effect of consecutive matches. It’s new territory for her. Afterward, she can rest before the European clay season. It’s possible. I considered a Sabalenka win more likely in Indian Wells, but Andreeva proved me wrong and found a way to win.
Final Reflections
How will Indian Wells standouts build on their momentum?
Navratilova: Miami is a new challenge with faster courts and quick turnaround. For Sabalenka, it’s another rapid adjustment after a tough loss, similar to post-Australian Open. Player responses—physical, emotional, tactical—will be key. Expect Swiatek and Gauff to contend as they adapt to the faster pace. This month is demanding, with two WTA 1000s back-to-back in different locations. Winning both Indian Wells and Miami is rare due to these challenges. Ultimately, freshness and court comfort will be decisive.
Dominic Ashworth 
Jasper Hawthorne