At 16 years old, latest Russian sensation Maria Sharapova is already fending off questions about the burnout suffered by previous teenage prodiges such as Andrea Jaeger and Tracy Austin. Thats not an enquiry being thrown in the direction of Martina Navratilova! Day Three of the DFS Classic at Edgbaston Priory was a glimpse of not only the present, but also the past and the future. At the start there was Sharapova, surely in the fledgling phase of something big, noisily registering the best win of her tender career albeit including a grunting controversy against Nathalie Dechy. And then at the end came 46-year-old Navratilova, who initially spotted Sharapovas talent 10 years ago, playing with the sort of freedom and verve alongside doubles partner Alicia Molik that would still be enough to dispose of the majority of the singles field. Once again Dechy was the victim, rounding off an eventful if fruitless day in the sun by exiting the competition with compatriot Emilie Loit after three well-contested sets enjoyed by a sizeable Birmingham crowd. Had Navratilova not been forced to visit Paris for treatment on a broken tooth, thus delaying her arrival in the Second City, she would also have entered the DFS singles. But even in doubles, she is a credit and inspiration to 40-somethings everywhere. Its not so much getting a buzz out of playing on grass, I get a buzz out of tennis period, said Navratilova. In the past it was my aim to be number one and win as many Grand Slams as possible. Now its just more of a motivation thing to do as well as I can. Im getting a lot of compliments from people saying they are really inspired to do more with their lives. Not necessarily in tennis, but in being more healthy or even just doing things they didnt they should be doing. You cannot let age be a defining factor in what you do. I might not be as good as I was when I was 26, but Im certainly as good as when I was 36. Meanwhile, if young Sharapova is inspired enough to get within a street of Navratilovas 333 career titles, it will have to be done a little bit quieter. The powerful Russian yesterday received a warning for grunting under the hindrance rule after complaints both from her opponent and players on the adjacent court. Truth is, with the tennis world currently at her very nimble feet, she could comfortably argue that shes got something to shout about. | 
