By Blair Henley / Monday, January 13, 2014
Despite a rough start to her year, Daniela Hantuchova is looking forward with the mature outlook of a true tour veteran. She's safely into the Australian open second round after a three-set win over Heather Watson.
Photo Credit: Mark Peterson / Corleve
MELBOURNE, Australia -- She may look just like she did a decade ago – sun-kissed hair, ultra-tan skin, statuesque physique – but Daniela Hantuchova has learned a lot in her 14 years on the WTA Tour. Though she projects a reserved version of herself around fans (no doubt she’s had some crazy ones over the years), Hantuchova is friendly and warm in a one-on-one setting. The former world No. 5 spoke with Tennis Now after signing autographs at the Prince hub in downtown Melbourne. Currently ranked 33rd, Hantuchova would go on to win her first round match on openening day at the Australian Open in a tight, three-set battle against Heather Watson.
How was your offseason?
It was great. I went to Tuscany for the holidays, which was amazing. I just rested. Then I did six weeks of hard preparation.
Where did you do your training?
Spain a little bit, Monaco and Slovakia as well. I was home for a few weeks with family, which was very nice.
You went to the Necker Cup as well. That looked like a beautiful place.
We are used to going to really nice places, but that was amazing. Another level.
What are your thoughts on the forecasted heat this week?
I arrived on the 20th of December just to make sure I will be ready for it. I love the difficult conditions. That’s what you do all the training for (smiling).
If given the choice, would you rather play in extreme heat or extreme cold?
Super hot, for sure (laughs).
You had a tougher start to your year this year, losing two first round matches. At this point in your career, are you able to shake off rough losses?
I care, but it’s just a different way of looking at it. I look at it as a learning experience where before it was more disappointing. I look at it as an opportunity to grow or get better. If I don’t win, it means there is still something missing, and I still have to work on those things.
Have you looked at your draw? How much weight do you put in your position? Or do you simply go out and play one match at a time?
Especially in the Slams, I just take it one match at a time. Everybody is here to win, to play well. It’s not like, say, 10 years ago where you could [skate through a few rounds]. Now if you’re not ready to play [too bad for you].
Your 2013 doubles partner, Martina Hingis, has re-retired from doubles play. Did you find a replacement?
I’m playing with Lisa Raymond. Yeah, I found a very good replacement (laughs). It’s going to be a lot of fun.
How tough is it to play both singles and doubles?
I’m actually doing all three. I’m playing mixed with Leander Paes, too. I just love being on the court. Of course, sometimes it’s tiring when you have to stay all day in the club, but once I’m on the court, I really don’t care whether I’m there for one hour or five hours.
This is your 14th straight Australian Open. Do you have places you visit every year? Maybe a lucky restaurant?
I stay always here at the Crown [Towers]. We always look forward to coming back. It’s beautiful and there are so many great restaurants. The year I made the semis, I think we went to Nobu 13 out of 14 nights! This is one of the best parts of the year.
What is your best Australian Open memory?
Reaching the semifinals. Definitely.
You’ve been able to wear some great outfits thanks to your sponsor, Adidas. Do you have any say in what you wear?
Not really. They always try to follow their lines or whatever they have in mind. Me and Ana, we are always in the same line, and we both enjoy wearing what we’re wearing. It’s something I’d love to do more in the future, designing my own clothes one day. When you are with a company like this, you have to follow different things in different sports. It’s not only tennis, so it’s not like we come up with something and let them know. Sometimes they listen; sometimes they have to do their thing.
Have they ever given you something you weren’t so excited to wear?
Just like with dresses, there is always one where you say you want to wear this all the time and some that are just okay (smiling).
You mentioned you might like to design clothing after tennis. Do you have any other thoughts on what you might like to do once you move on?
There are so many things I’d love to do. Of course, the biggest priority will be having a family and kids. I can’t wait for that. As far as the business goes, I will keep my eyes open.
Speaking of family, it’s tougher for the women to have both a tennis career and family life, isn’t it?
Exactly. For guys it’s much easier.
Do you miss being able to have that part of your life right now?
It’s not easy, but I always said that while I enjoy what I’m doing, I’ll keep going. I gave all my life to this, so it would be a shame not to use it the best I can. There’s a time for everything.