Fans have joked that Martina Navratilova is set to make a comeback after
Anna Chakvetadze's name appeared in the draw of an event despite retiring ten years ago.
Former world No. 5 Chakvetadze's name has appeared on the alternates list for three separate
ITF tournaments, the Flanders Ladies Trophy Koksijde, W15 Duffel, and W15 Wanfercee-Baulet.
The Russian player had a succesful career, reaching the 2007 US Open semi-final, and the quarterfinals of two more Grand Slams, the Australian Open and the Roland Garros, in the same year. However, she retired in 2013 at just 26 years old, citing a back injury.
Return inspires jokes about Navratilova's comeback
The surprising potential return of the 36-year-old to the sport has led some fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, to joke that tennis legends like Navratilova will soon be announcing their comeback. "At this rate, Martina Navratilova will be announcing her comeback," one wrote.
Meanwhile, another referenced Navratilova's impressive return to the sport back in 2006, when the then 48-year-old won the US Open mixed doubles event: "I remember in like 2006 when she won the U.S. Open mixed doubles despite being like 48. An absolute freak of nature."
Indeed, many said they would still back the 66-year-old, who has 59 Grand Slam titles to her name, to win doubles matches today.
"Navratilova would actually still be competitive in doubles if paired with a younger
wta player who does good in doubles. After all she won the mixed doubles USO at 50 years old so why not at 67," one wrote. "I can tell you flat out that if you put Martina on a doubles court with a legit wta player, i'd probably take her to win a whole slew of matches," another added.
Jokes aside, Chakvetadze's return to the sport at just 36 years old would not be unusual apart from her decade-long gap. Many players compete until their late thirties, with 43-year-old Venus Williams still active on the WTA Tour and at majors.
