Wimbledon legend Martina Navratilova told her fellow BBC commentator Nick Mullins "let's not" when asked about the prospect of re-living one of her defeats on Centre Court. The Czech-American was, however, pleased that more happy memories were brought up by Mullins after the Beeb's coverage right before they went on air.

They were preparing to call Mirra Andreeva's fourth-round match with Emma Navarro when ahead of the live coverage, the BBC desk broadcast footage of Andreeva's coach, Conchita Martinez, beating Navratilova in the Wimbledon final in 1994. Andreeva and Martinez enjoyed a charming interview with Clare Balding, talking about that final 31 years ago, before the show swiftly turned to Navratilova and Mullins in the commentators' box.

The topic was not initially brought up, but during the early stages of the first set Mullins tried to bring up more positive elements of Navratilova at Wimbledon, of which there are many.

"Now 47 years ago to the day, July 7, 1978, Martina Navratilova won the first of her nine Wimbledon singles titles," he said. "She beat Chris Evert out on this court."

A surprised Navratilova replied: "I did not know that it was the same day but yeah we are now a week later so that's why it's happening like this but a nice reminder, thank you very much. A much better reminder than what they [BBC] read before, Conchita beating me in 94."

Mullins then said: "I was going to bring that up... well might chat about that as this match wears on."

Only for Navratilova to cut in and sharply reply: "Let's not. Just kidding."

The pair enjoyed a chuckle as Mullins turned attention back to the action: "This is going to be fun, isn't it?"

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Andreeva hired Martinez last season and entered Wimbledon as the seventh seed. Aside from world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, she is the highest seed remaining in the competition despite not being considered someone whose game would typically adapt well to grass.

Fortunately, as a top-spin-heavy player in the same mould as Jack Draper and Coco Gauff, her coach is familiar with such situations and believes that she can avoid joining the other two on the wrong end of big upsets.

"If I won Wimbledon - I was more of a clay-court player - then I think she has a good shot of winning," Martinez told Balding. "Mirra is a very special player and very complete in everything she does - but also improvable. I think she has a lot to learn."

Andreeva, 18, hailed her coach in that same interview and shared: "Bringing in Conchita has definitely helped me improve. It helps [that] she is an ex-player and has been a Wimbledon champion. She shares a lot of her experience and advice with me."

Martinez denied that she is also fulfilling a parental figure in Andreeva's life, despite sharing a very close bond off the court, but is solely focused on improving the teenager's game.

"No, no, no," said Martinez of being a 'tennis parent'. She explained: "I'm her coach - that's the only way. Can you be friends? Yes. We have a great relationship. But I'm the one there on the tennis court, changing things and making her improve.

"I'm the one overseeing her whole career. I'm in charge of finding everything around her that will work to make her [a] better player."