Navratilova returns to Wimbledon

Martina Navratilova has confirmed her acceptance of a wild card at Wimbledon and will play in the singles for the first time since 1994.

The 47-year-old nine-times champion cast doubt over her willingness to take up the offer after failing to qualify for the main draw in the Hastings Direct International Women’s Championships at Eastbourne this week.

She went out in the second qualifying round against Russia’s Elena Likhovtseva and complained about ankle and knee injuries which also troubled her when making an early exit from the French Open last month.

But she has since played a doubles match and a plate match for early losers at Eastbourne, winning both, and said: “The decision was made two days ago really. I will be playing singles at Wimbledon. My only concern was my body.”