Ananova:

Martina Navratilova missed out on her 59th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and revealed that this season will finally see her bow out of professional tennis.

Navratilova, with partner Leander Paes, lost the mixed doubles final to Elena Bovina and Nenad Zimonjic 6-1 7-6 (7-3) on centre court in one hour, nine minutes.

Afterwards, 47-year-old Navratilova revealed that the US Open in September will be her last competitive appearance in a Grand Slam.

She said defiantly: "I'm not saying goodbye to playing tennis, I'm just saying goodbye to hitting the ball here [Melbourne]. I've still got a whole year to go."

On the match with Paes, The former Czech star said: "You want to go down swinging and fighting and we did that. It was nice we mounted a short comeback but it was a shame we couldn't sustain it."

Bovina, a mixed doubles finalist at the French Open in 2002, was thrilled with her and Zimonjic's first Grand Slam triumph.

"When I was a junior my coach made us bury all the trophies for second and third place," the 20-year-old Bovina said. "I really wanted to keep this one today, so I really tried.

"It's just great to get a trophy. Doesn't matter if its singles, doubles, mixed doubles. It's first place, it's fantastic for me."

She said it was the first time she and Zimonjic had played together and "I think we did pretty good."

Zimonjic, 27, from Belgrade, said he had left a note with WTA Tour officials before the tournament seeking a partner and Bovina had responded.

"I'd like to thank you guys for finding a great partner for me," he said.

Zimonjic, ranked No. 33 in doubles and with seven titles to his credit, paid tribute to Navratilova, before adding "you've had enough wins."

Zimonjic had also teamed up with Paes to win the Delray Beach doubles title last year.

Navratilova has won 167 singles titles and 173 in doubles.

Paes was continuing his comeback from a five-month layoff due to a nonmalignant brain lesion.

He was treated for the last four months of the year in Orlando, Florida after tests in August revealed that he had neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection that causes a brain abscess.

Navratilova had claimed a record-equaling 20th Wimbledon title last year by winning the mixed doubles with Paes, as well as their Australian title last year.

"It's a real treat to play with you," Paes said to Navratilova. "We came up a bit short today, but playing with you has been a joy and a blessing."

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