Navratilova ready for final hurrah

While many eyes will be focused on the farewell appearance of Andre Agassi [Images] at the US Open next week, another of the sport's all-time greats will be saying her own goodbyes after a glittering career.

Thirty-three years after she arrived on the tour, Martina Navratilova is set to retire -- this time for good -- just a month short of her 50th birthday.

"I have more wrinkles than titles, so it's time," Navratilova quipped following her doubles triumph at the Montreal Cup with Russia's [Images] Nadia Petrova on Monday.

The Czech-born Navratilova, who became a US citizen in 1981, will bow out after playing both the women's and mixed doubles events at Flushing Meadows.

Navratilova will partner Petrova in the women's doubles and will hook up with fellow American Mike Bryan in the mixed.

"I've got some very good partners, I need to step up to the plate," said Navratilova, who owns 58 Grand Slam titles.

A four-times USOpen singles champion, Navratilova will be inducted into the US Open Court of Champions prior to the men's final, an honour that is given to the greatest singles champions in the history of the tournament.

She will also be honoured with a special retirement tribute as she plays in her 29th and final US Open.

Navratilova has retired once before, in 1994, only to return in 2000. This time, though, she says it is for real.

"I have too many things going on business-wise. But most of all, my personal life is affected. There's not as much time to spend with my one and only. It takes away from my private life and is not enhancing it.

Together with her friend and rival Chris Evert, Navratilova dominated the women's game in the 1970s and 1980s.

With her attacking serve and volley style, the left-hander went on to win a record 167 Tour singles titles.

Ranked world number one for 331 weeks, Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles -- including nine Wimbledon crowns -- and 40 Grand Slam doubles trophies.

Since returning to the Tour in 2000, she has taken her doubles haul to 177 and on current form, could increase that tally further before she hangs up her racket for the last time.

© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.