Navratilova: Don't write Serena off yet

Martina Navratilova has warned it is too early to write off Serena Williams as a grand slam contender.

For the first time since 2006, when Amelie Mauresmo beat Justine Henin, and for just the second time this century, the women's singles final at Wimbledon will feature neither Williams sister after they tumbled out in the fourth round.
But Navratilova judges that cautiously, given Serena missed 49 weeks after last year's Wimbledon due to injury and serious illness, while Venus was off tour with a hip problem for most of the first six months of the year.
Navratilova welcomes the new faces challenging for the biggest prizes, such as first-time Wimbledon finalist Petra Kvitova, who will take on former winner Maria Sharapova on Saturday.
"I think we're seeing the new players taking charge. Most of all, they're playing to win. That's what I like to see. They're not scared out there. They're playing forceful tennis," she said.
Based on her own experience, 54-year-old Navratilova hinted it could be tough for Venus to fight it out with the emerging youngsters.
But she stressed: "I wouldn't write off Serena Williams quite yet. I think Venus is two years older and it gets harder after 30. I know that well. I think Serena will still be back."
While Venus is 31, Serena also turns 30 in September but Navratilova saw enough in her four matches at Wimbledon this year to be convinced the 13-time grand slam winner can still challenge at the highest level.
Nine-time Wimbledon champion Navratilova, speaking at the All England Club on Thursday evening, backed Serena to prove her critics wrong in the coming months.
Navratilova said: "I'm sure she'll play a couple tournaments. She needs more match play. Nothing gets you more sharp than playing matches, nothing.
"She'll get in great shape. She still did amazingly well. I thought both sisters, considering how little they played, looked sharp. Then they hit a really good player and couldn't cope.
"I'm sure that they'll be a force to be reckoned with at the (US) Open if they stay healthy. (It was) amazing for Serena to be here at all."