Martina Navratilova names the current WTA player who really reminds her of Lindsay Davenport

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Martina Navratilova made an interesting comparison with a former Wimbledon champion.

The grass court Grand Slam is set to commence on Monday as thousands of fans will flock through the gates to see the compelling action.

The 68-year-old, who has lifted the Wimbledon singles title a record nine times, is looking ahead to the sport’s most prestigious event and those who are contending for the title.

Without a runaway favourite the Venus Rosewater dish is there for the taking, and Navratilova named one of those players.

Martina Navratilova compares Elena Rybakina to Lindsay Davenport

Martina Navratilova has seen many come and go over the many decades she has been involved in tennis.

Since the former world number one lifted her ninth and final Wimbledon title in 1990, 17 more women have tasted success on centre court.

One of those players is Elena Rybakina, who added her name to the All-England Club honours board in 2022.

Navratilova analysed her game and explained how it is similar to that of the Wimbledon champion of 1999, Lindsay Davenport.

“No weaknesses, good athlete. Not afraid to go forward and knock off the volley,” Navratilova told the WTA website. “She’s got soft enough hands to hit drop shots and plays really smart, high-percentage tennis.

“She reminds me of Lindsay Davenport, the effortless way she hits the ball. She’s not swinging hard, but it’s a heavy ball.”

Who does Martina Navratilova think is the favourite to win Wimbledon?

With no player currently in the WTA’s top 10 having previously won Wimbledon, the field is wide open.

Grass is an unpredictable surface where anything can happen, and with many dangerous unseeded players lurking, no player is safe.

That being said, Navratilova has named the player she thinks is the favourite for the title, the world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who has yet to win a tournament on grass.

“Looking at her record, it’s hard to think she’s not the favorite this year. She’s a complete player and has a good game for grass,” Navratilova said.

“It’s hard to find a weakness or an opening against her. I’m wondering if losing the French Open final will actually help motivate her. I think she finds herself in a good spot.”