Navratilova rolls back the years with 20th title

All Martina Navratilova wanted to take with her after equalling Billie Jean King's record of 20 Wimbledon titles was a patch of SW19.

For the 46-year-old legend it makes no difference what sort of grass is sown at the All England Club - the touch, dexterity and agility of her prime remain. All were in glorious view on Centre Court as Navratilova and Leander Paes romped to a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Israeli Andy Ram and Russian Anastassia Rodionova to clinch the mixed doubles title.

It appeared to mean as much to Navratilova as the first of her singles titles in 1978 and a repeat of Roger Federer's waterworks were almost prompted by Sue Barker's post-match interview.

Navratilova, who passed her 300th Wimbledon game milestone this tournament, said: 'I cannot think, I cannot talk, I feel like Roger Federer. All my titles here are special. My last one was eight years ago and after that something happened and I kept wanting to come back.

'The best thing that happened to me was being dumped by my old doubles partner (Jonathan Stark) and Leander being dumped by his (Lisa Raymond) because I wouldn't have done this without him.'

Paes, at 30 some 16 years younger than Navratilova, said: 'I used to watch Martina on Centre Court. She inspired me and has helped make a dream come true.' A dream also came true for Todd Woodbridge after he won a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon doubles title with a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory with Jonas Bjorkman over Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi.