Annabel Croft had breakfast with Berry Gordy after winning The Virginia Slims of San Diego

EXCLUSIVE: On a morning she’ll never forget, fresh off the back of winning the Virginia Slims of San Diego, Annabel Croft joined Berry Gordy in his suite for a spot of breakfast.

When the formidable tennis icon arrived in California in 1985, playing some of the worst tennis of her career, she had no idea she’d turn it all around, capture the biggest title of her life, and enjoy a croissant or two with the founder of Motown Records.

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Annabel Croft had a lovely breakfast with Berry Gordy

While many a player on a poor run of form would’ve crumbled, Croft utilised her incredible powers of self-belief to battle back from the brink and produce a magnificent string of performances.

Realising she had nothing to lose, the Brit relaxed, tossed her nerves out the window, and let her talent do the talking.

Exhibiting remarkable skills, Croft dazzled the American fans, defeating a good friend in the opening round before going head-to-head with world #4 Wendy Turnbull in the final.

Despite being considered an underdog by the purists, the Kent girl put on a magnificent display to claim the all-important trophy.

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However, while the silverware ultimately made for a great addition to her collection, with her family back at home watching in the UK, she had no one to celebrate with, until, in a moment, both bizarre and exciting in equal measure, Berry Gordy invited her to have breakfast with him.

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In an exclusive interview with Sporf, she reminisced: “He was part of Motown Records and brought on some of the biggest music stars in the world. He invited me with all his entourage to his suite in his hotel for a celebratory breakfast.

“I had to do all my research on him because I realised he was extremely famous and a wonderful man. I remember having breakfast with loads of people I didn’t know, but they were all so kind to me, and I’ve never forgotten it.”

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Annabel Croft reveals her Wimbledon prediction

Once ranked at #24 in the world, the gifted athlete has put her credentials on the court beyond doubt. And since her days of dismantling opponents with her awe-inspiring serves, the charismatic individual has cemented her place as one of the best pundits in the sport.

With an innate ability to capture the raw emotions the tennis players are feeling right after their Wimbledon triumphs, Croft has become a voice that fans can’t wait to hear.

Thus, with the biggest tournament in the sport hotting up, the 57-year-old has revealed the man she believes can cause some serious drama.

She explained: “I’m quite a big fan of Tommy Paul. He won at Queen’s Club, a week before coming into the championships. He’s just a dark horse. He knows how to play on the surface, and he’s a wiley tennis player.

“He modelled himself on the great Tim Henman. Chips and charges, comes to the net, serves and volleys, just a bit of disruptor out there. I’m excited to see how far he goes.”

The American star collides with Carlos Alcaraz later today in a match-up fans can’t afford to miss.

Featured Image Credit: Getty