Tennis: Loser Dokic lashes out at Navratilova

Jelena Dokic took a side-swipe at Martina Navratilova and the Eastbourne tournament after slumping to defeat yesterday.

Top seed Dokic lost 4-6, 6-1, 2-6 to Daja Bedanova after playing on No.1 court at the Britannic Assurance Management Championships.

Still furious half-an-hour later, she pointed to Centre Court where Navratilova was playing Daniela Hantuchova.

Dokic said: 'I didn't feel good in this tournament. Being the No.1 seed I was expecting to play on Centre Court. But I had to play on No.1 because there were some ridiculous matches on Centre. I'm not too happy.

'I haven't spoken to anyone yet but I think there's a good enough explanation. I think we know who's playing on Centre Court and why.'

Dokic, 19, whose match was originally scheduled for Centre Court, was moved because Bedanova was forced to complete her first- round match against Elena Likhovtseva earlier in the day.

Navratilova, meanwhile, was involved in an absorbing contest with Hantuchova. Early in the second set, with Navratilova, 45, a set and a break up, it seemed a victory even more remarkable than Tuesday's win over Tatiana Panova was in the offing.

That was until the No.3 seed, clearly overawed at playing her idol - Navratilova had won three Wimbledon titles before Hantuchova was born - calmed herself to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Navratilova was clearly unimpressed by Dokic's accusation or any feelings of resentment which may have been aired in the locker room this week.

She said: 'I don't make the schedule. When it rains, you adjust to it. I've played singles matches on outside courts at Wimbledon. That happens. And I was No. 1 seed and defending champion.'