REFEREE Alan Mills reckons Martina Navratilova is the one to watch at next week’s Liverpool International Tennis Tournament.
The 75-year-old is relishing the chance to officiate the nine-time Wimbledon winner up close as Calderstones Park readies itself for the start of play next week.
Navratilova will square off against former world number one Martina Hingis in the pick of the matches for Mills, who was referee at SW19 from 1982-2005.
Mills believes the Liverpool Tennis Tournament grows stronger every year and provides an unrivalled platform for the next generation of players.
And Mills says watching the 54-year-old Navratilova strut her stuff on court next week should provide ample inspiration.
“The tournament improves every year,” declared Mills at Calderstones yesterday.
“I’ve been here for the last five years and was most impressed the first year and am always impressed when I arrive to think we are in the middle of a public park.
“With these beautiful grass courts and the stands around, you have a major venue.
“So much effort from so many different people goes into getting all this ready”.
