Martina Navratilova makes her singles comeback today in Sussex after losing a mysterious bet with her fitness trainer.

The 45-year-old nine-time Wimbledon champion has accepted a wild card into the Britannia Asset Management Championships at Eastbourne and will face the Russian, Tatiana Panova, in the first round.

Navratilova, who has also entered the doubles with Natasha Zvereva, has not played singles on the main tour for six years.

She said: "I am pleased to be back, I feel like I've come home when I play at Eastbourne.

"I like the weather down here and know the area better than anywhere else apart from London.

"I'm back because I lost a bet, I can't tell you what it was but I lost it with my trainer.

"I don't know how I'm going to get on but I am going to enjoy every minute of it.

"I haven't really missed playing singles but now I am here I might as well make the most of it.

"On grass there is no telling what can happen."

Navratilova has kept fit by playing hockey and basketball and got herself into competitive shape by sprinting and doing weights.

She has also worked with a pilates trainer for the first time.

"I'm more flexible than I've been since probably 1987 or 1988," she added.

Navratilova's presence in the singles is a boost for organisers after Jennifer Capriati turned down a chance to play following the withdrawl of defending champion Lindsay Davenport through injury.

The Czech-born left hander will be joined in the event, which runs until Saturday at Devonshire Park, by two other wild cards, Anna Kournakova and Mary Pierce.

Tournament director John Feaver said: "Martina has won the event 11 times in the past and is so popular here. She is a wonderful ambassador for the sport and has kept herself fit. I am sure her Eastbourne fans will love to see her play singles again."