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Feb 1, 2005
By Dale Budge

Two legends of women's tennis arrived in Auckland on Sunday to play exhibition matches in Auckland and Christchurch - grand slam winners Monica Seles and Martina Navratilova.

Both former world number ones enjoyed a brief hit-out in Auckland on Monday ahead of their Tuesday night showdown at the ASB Tennis Centre.

Seles (31), who retired from the WTA tour in 2003, is rumoured to be contemplating a return to the elite tour and may well gauge her form and how well the body holds up in these two matches.

"I think the last year and a half has been what I love day by day," Seles said at a press conference. "I am so excited that my body has allowed me to be here right now.

"I am just happy to be playing."

While Seles considers her return, Navratilova has already made a successful return to the WTA tour, showing tremendous form in recent time in doubles.

She partnered Max Mirnyi at the recent Australian Open and managed to make it through to the semifinals.

She also partners Danielle Huntuchova in women's doubles and is helping the Slovakian with her singles game.

"For Monica it's more about her body holding up," Navratilova said. "For me it's as long as I really want to be on the court."

So why does the most successful women's player in history continue to push herself at the top level at the age of 48?

"Well it curiosity really - to see how far I can take it.

"If you don't push the envelope you don't know what the limit is."

The American pair is glad to be in New Zealand as well. Seles took in a helicopter tour of Auckland on Sunday, which she loved and Navratilova was looking forward to playing here for the first time.

"I'm glad to be in New Zealand. I have been here before but never had a chance to play. So to be able to play in a country where I haven't played is a great opportunity.

"The audience is awesome. When you play in a city or a country you haven't played in before they get so excited to see you and they appreciate it.

"For us that is a breath of fresh air."

Seles, who won her first grand slam at age 18 played against Kiwi rising star Marina Erakovic on Monday morning and was quite impressed.

"I have read about her in the papers. She is from the same country as where I was born. I was so happy she won the junior doubles in Melbourne last week.

"She is a fantastic player. If she keeps going it would be great to see someone from this part of the world make it and be a top-10 player."