Navratilova says Na's Grand Slam future is 'up in the air' following injury-hit season

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ANI Johannesburg
Last Updated : Aug 16 2014 | 1:10 PM IST

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has said that Chinese tennis ace Li Na's Grand Slam future is up in the air after an injury-hit season and the loss of her inspirational coach.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion said that Na's ability to withstand injuries was the critical question as she approaches her 33rd birthday in February. Na bagged the Australian Open trophy in January but her season has nose-dived and along with splitting with coach Carlos Rodriguez, she has also been sidelined by a knee injury.

Navratilova, when asked whether the world number three is capable of winning a third Grand Slam titles, said that the body is now clearly the biggest issue for Na, Sport24 reported.

The Czech and American tennis ace said that Na had some motivation issues a year ago after Wimbledon but then the Chinese had a good talk with Rodriguez and then won the Australian Open the following year.

So, Navratilova said that Na has had a great year having won a Slam, which is amazing. But, she added that now Na may not play the rest of the year, so it's up in the air for her.

Navratilova also said that game-wise Na has a Slam but the question is whether her body is going to cooperate.

Na will miss the US Open and may not return until the inaugural Wuhan Open in her home city next month, the report added.

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First Published: Aug 16 2014 | 12:59 PM IST

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