The win also meant that Navratilova became the oldest Grand Slam winner in tennis history. She eclipsed the record of Australian Norman Brookes, who won the men's doubles title in Melbourne in 1924, aged a month younger. Navratilova easily beat the next oldest woman, Margaret DuPont, who was 44 when she won the 1962 Wimbledon mixed doubles.

In July, Navratilova and Paes won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title. With that win, her 20th at Wimbledon, she equalled Billie Jean-King's record for maximum titles on that hallowed turf. The fifth seeded Paes and Navratilova defeated Andy Ram of Israel and Anastassia Rodionova of Russia 6-3, 6-3 in the final. Navaratilova did not play the US Open because Paes was unwell.

'I will not be playing mixed doubles at the US Open without Leander Paes because he is a true partner, and the special connection we share cannot be replaced,' Navratilova said. "Our bond was much more than winning titles.'

'He and I have promised each other we will team again as soon as he gets well, and I can't wait,' she said. Paes' return to tennis may force Navratilova to put her retirement plans on hold. 'I definitely will not be playing in 2005,' she said. 'But 2004 I haven't decided yet. There's a possibility I will play next year but we'll have to wait and see.'

Text: Ivan Crasto

Navratilova-Paes win Wimbledon