“I don’t know how emotionally it will be, but I’m such a freak. Even though I’m saying goodbye in total happiness, nothing is escaping me and no one has taken anything from me, I still expect a tear to drip,” Sestini Hlaváčková told today’s press conference.
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The Pilsen native won the Roland Garros doubles, the US Open and another 25 WTA tournaments. She has twice triumphed in the Fed Cup, won silver at the 2012 London Olympics or triumphed at the Champions Tournament five years ago.
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She played her last match on the international stage in October 2018. Four months later, she announced that she was pregnant and had her rankings frozen. Thanks to that, he doesn’t even need a wild card for the Prague tournament now.
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“I had the idea that I would go back to some grand slams and tournaments that I liked, but my motherhood does not allow me to devote myself to it. The fact that I am returning to the last tournament alongside Lucky Hradecká is “And I can’t even imagine going to court with someone else,” Hlaváčková said of her teammate, with whom she formed the successful duo H + H.
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Her last matches in her professional career should also be seen from the stands by her daughter Isabella. “She goes to kindergarten three times a week, but if the match is on Monday, we’ll skip kindergarten and come see her. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to say goodbye to tennis so she could see it. Even if she didn’t remember anything and only had a picture “That will be nice,” said the tennis player, who will also play the role of co – commentator for Czech Television during the tournament.
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He has been training for his farewell for the last two and a half weeks. Due to the intestinal flu, she had to postpone the preparation for a week. “It’s easier training so far. It’s a longer course and I can’t be hurt. But it’s definitely the most difficult thing a person does,” said the tennis player, who also tried out in Star Dance last year. “It can’t be compared to that, this hurts more. But I’m limiting it so that I don’t take the body to extremes. She prescribes the training herself and now works in the technique of playing and tennis strokes.
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Although she hears that she could continue her career, she will not let herself be persuaded. “I honestly enjoy it now because it’s the hour of the day and just because of that tournament. I like the life and career I’ve built after my tennis career and I enjoy what I’m doing right now. I don’t tend to think about playing then more tournaments, “said Hlaváčková.
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She was pleased that Barbora Strýcová and Lucie Šafářová also promised to take part in her farewell. “I also discussed the farewell logistics with Šafi, because she experienced the same thing here. I originally planned to say goodbye right after losing in doubles, but thanks to her experience, we reconsidered it because no one would actually know when I would say goodbye. I copied it, I will play the tournament and say goodbye on Saturday (July 30), “said Hlaváčková.
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After the official end of his career, he wants to continue to focus on parental responsibilities and moderation. He currently works at the Radiožurnál Sport radio station. “I really enjoy it and I take any chance to moderate and comment. But I also take other chances. Sometimes you come somewhere, you do something, it brings you another experience and it opens the way elsewhere. I do a little of everything and I enjoy it because that day is more than crowded, “Hlaváčková added.
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The Livesport Open Prague tournament will be played at the Sparta Prague tennis complex from July 25 to 31.
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