Navratilova hits 50

Navratilova won the mixed doubles title with Bob Bryan at the US Open in September before announcing her retirement after the end of the tournament.

"The body of work is what I'm proud of, and the passion that I brought to this sport, trying to figure out how to be the best player that I could possibly be with the limitations I have," she said.

"I'm proud of being true to myself, speaking my truth and living it."

Two of the WTA circuit's biggest present-day stars paid homage to the Czechoslovakia-born star, who became an American citizen in 1981.

"She did a lot for women's tennis," said Justine Henin-Hardenne, US Open singles runner-up. "What she did for the game was unbelievable. It's sad to see her going away."

Maria Sharapova, who won the singles title at Flushing Meadows, is equally in awe of Navratilova. "She's had an incredibly amazing and long career. To be in the final of the mixed, that's pretty amazing at her age."

Navratilova won 167 singles titles throughout her 32-year career, the most of any player. 18 were Grand Slam titles.

Her last triumph was her 177th doubles title, 21 of them Grand Slams.