Kournikova has been positive for tennis, says Navratilova

"The guy showed no respect for her as a human being, never mind as a tennis player. That was just a nasty way, I think."

Kournikova has come under fire for seemingly putting her life off the court ahead of her tennis career.

But Navratilova insisted the Russian was a positive influence on the game.

"I don't think she's really courted attention, certainly not as much in the last couple of years," said the American.

"I believe she has been very serious about trying to become a better tennis player and I believe the results will come.

"Anna has created a whole new market out there on the women's tour, a whole new base of fans who want to come and see her play.

"There's nothing wrong with the attention she's brought to the game.

"She's not the one taking pictures of herself and putting them on page three."