Navratilova, who teamed up with Paes to lift the Wimbledon mixed doubles title earlier this year, expressed her relief on Thursday after learning the Indian had been told by doctors he did not have brain cancer as was first diagnosed.

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Suffering from severe headaches, the Indian Davis Cup leader was admitted to hospital last week with a suspected tumour but a series of tests revealed a tiny lesion on the left side of his brain.

"I told him (Paes) whenever he comes back that we'll play again," Navratilova told reporters following a first-round victory in the women's doubles at the U.S. Open. "Whenever he decides to play again, I'll be playing.

"I was devastated for days. It obviously brings things into perspective.

"We worry about break points and pulled hamstrings and here he is with the possibility of dying in a short time.

"That was an eye-opener for everyone I think in the tennis world."

Paes's return might force Navratilova to put her retirement plans on hold.

"I definitely will not be playing in 2005," said Navratilova, who equalled Billie Jean King's record by capturing her 20th Wimbledon title with her victory in the mixed doubles.

"But 2004 I haven't decided yet. There's a possibility I will play next year but we'll have to wait and see."