Home Contact
BARON COURT The Off-Court, behind-the-scenes bulletin

HEADLINES
New Partner Martina Navratilova, 52, has found another ‘partner’, a beauty queen named Julia Lemigova who found fame at 19 by becoming the ‘Queen of Russia’ after being crowned Miss USSR, the last time the contest was held before the break-up of the Soviet Union. The pair were spotted in France, wearing rings on their right hands, while they holidayed in St Tropez and it is believed she is the woman Navratilova referred to when commenting about her ‘drop dead beautiful’ girlfriend during her stint in the jungle on TV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity ..’ Navratilova’s first partner, Judy Nelson, was also a beauty queen but that relationship ended in the courts after seven years with the former Wimbledon champion having to pay out £4.5 million to secure her freedom. But Navratilova could be back in court soon as another former lover, Tony Layton, is taking up legal action against her. 31^st August 2009	Another Possible Comeback Following the successful return of Kim Clijsters, rumours now abound that her compatriot Justine Henin is on the brink of making a dramatic comeback. The Belgian press are certainly projecting that prospect which, if it comes about, is expected in Januray following some exhibition matches which are reportedly scheduled for December in Belgium and Dubai. Henin dropped out of the tour without any warning, virtually on the eve of the 2008 French Open where she was the defending champion. She was also world number one having won 41 titles including seven at grand slam level and was still at the top of her game so her sudden decision was a surprising one. However she has set up a successful tennis academy in Belgium and no doubt, having kept an eye on the tour, must have realised that she could well emulate Clijsters and make an immediate impact on the rankings. 31^st August 2009	Gender Problems The IAAF has its gender problems with Caster Semenya, 18, but a 22 year-old tennis player was recently put through the mill when her own gender was queried earlier this year. Germany’s Sarah Gronert was born with both male and female genitals and following her success on the ITF tour, some coaches of other players have complained. “There is no girl who can hit serves like that, not even Venus Williams,” coach Schlomo Tzoref exclaimed. The WTA Tour confirm her eligibility after reviewing the case. “The Tour’s gender determination rule is similar to the International Olympic Committee’s rule, and under it, Gronert is allowed to play Tour events as a female.” An ITF spokesperson added: “Sarah Gronert is legally and biologically a woman and as such perfectly entitled to compete in ITF Pro Circuit events and, at some point if her ranking warrants, in WTA Tour events.” At the time of her ‘gender verification’ she was ranked 555. 31^st August 2009 Pictures by Fotosports International.