Martina Navratilova won 11 singles titles at Eastbourne

The ladies' tournament at Eastbourne takes place the week before Wimbledon and is the main warm-up competition for Wimbledon entrants.

Navratilova, who won Wimbledon nine times, has been a regular visitor to Eastbourne for more than 20 years.

It is hoped the freedom ceremony can be held during next year's tournament.

'Town's affection'

The award is the highest civic honour which can be bestowed by the town's council.

Council leader Graham Marsden said: "This is the first time the council has presented this award to a sportsperson of such international status.

"During the time she won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, Ms Navratilova always supported the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Eastbourne and she has been a regular visitor since she retired from singles tennis.

"We hope this freedom recognises her contribution to the town and continues the town's affection for a star of the tennis court."

The council hopes to carry out the ceremony at the Devonshire Park stadium during the 2005 tournament between 11 and 18 June.