Evergreen Daniela Hantuchova hopes to get the jump on Serena and Maria
Damien Stannard
The Courier-Mail
December 23, 2013 10:00PM

DANIELA Hantuchova's winning edge is underpinned by a simple philosophy.

To beat the world's best tennis players you have rise earlier, work harder and go home later.

There are no shortcuts for this 30-year-old as she aims to start the season with a bang by arriving for next week's Brisbane International better prepared than the top seeds.

"It's going to be a tough tournament, that's why I came earlier to make sure I'm ready for the first round," Hantuchova said yesterday as she outlined her plan to catch world No.1 Serena Williams off guard at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

"That's the whole point (of coming early) to have a good preparation behind you."

Next year will be Hantuchova's 16th on the professional tennis circuit and she is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Slovakian arrived in Brisbane on Sunday ranked 33 in the world.

That is a remarkable achievement for a player whose season-ending ranking has not been outside the top 40 since she was 18.

Consistency is one thing, but on her day Hantuchova can still go deep at the Grand Slams, with a US Open quarter-final appearance against Victoria Azarenka in August her best tournament of the year.

So what is the secret?

"The motivation to improve every day," she said after a gym workout at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

"Spending a lot of time in the gym to make sure I'm fit and healthy.

"I love playing tennis and I woulnd't change it for anything else."

Hantuchova has played in all but one of the five Brisbane Internationals at Tennyson, with her best performance a tournament final loss to Kaia Kanepi in 2012.

With each instalment she has faced an increasingly qualified field.

Next week the will be six of the world's top 10 players, including Williams, Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki.

Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki is another title threat.

Seeing so many top 10 players this early in the season is an indication of Brisbane's rising reputation and of the depth in women's tennis.

"To have such a big field this early in the year proves how hungry the girls are," said Hantuchova, adding that Brisbane now ranked alongside the prestigious Indian Wells and Miami WTA tournaments.

"A couple of years ago everyone was still in the warm up (in December).

"Now everyone's arriving early to be ready for the first round.

"There's no easy rounds."




Hantuchova primed for heavy lifting in Brisbane
MARGIE MCDONALD THE AUSTRALIAN DECEMBER 24, 2013 12:00AM

SLOVAK player Daniela Hantuchova made it as far as the final of the Brisbane International last year, falling to Kaia Kanepi in straight sets. This year she is planning to go one better -- and she's banking on an early start to give her the edge in the tournament, which starts on Sunday.

Hantuchova arrived in Brisbane at the weekend and hit the gym yesterday, looking forward to a tough tournament in the lead-up to the Australian Open.

"Especially this year, it's going to be a really tough tournament," Hantuchova said. "That's why I came early this year to make sure I'm ready for the first round."

In her four appearances in Brisbane, she has reached the quarter-finals or better three times.

Daniela Hantuchova: My first trainer was my grandmother ...
Author: Anka Olvecký
Yesterday, 25 December 2013

Our great tennis player is beautiful, successful, says he has great luck in life - excellent family around, tennis, who loves to play and can, therefore, is almost a responsibility to not only take but also give. Daniel has his own foundation, supporting children affected by HIV in Cambodia, three years is the face of the project Oriflame Slovakia - Color hospital, which aims more pleasant environment for small patients in need of hospital bed.

Do you still remember on my first activity in the charity?
The very first was during the U.S. Open, when we played showcased Federer, Nadal, Serena and me. I won $ 20,000, which I could dedicate a hospital in the U.S., according to their choice.

Requests for assistance are receiving perhaps a day, naleteli you ever in helping others?
It's not easy to choose whom and why to help, so I early on established their own foundation and I have a table which specific people are going my money. Time gives me the truth that I do well.

What you approached the project Oriflame Colour hospital so that you become the face?
Particular, the idea that it is not concentrated in one place, but the whole Slovakia. Today we meet in a hospital in Zvolen, next time it will Rimavská course and I look forward to every hospital where the children's department jointly reconstruct and thus at least a little help kids overcome diseases in need of hospital stay. Every year we know what to go for whom we do it, what amount and what is paid.

What patient children have been you?
The question before my mom, even though in addition to classical vaccination can not remember any disease, I must admit that I had never health condition very lucky and I did not have to spend time in hospitals.

Do you have a successful season, its strongest moments?
They were more, we win in Birmingham, after eleven years, I won the finals in New York, many, many great matches, friendly positive year, which is further motivation to train hard.

Already have an idea where and with whom you spend Christmas in 2013?
For me, Christmas will be a little chaotic this year, I might be somewhere on the way to Australia since the first tournament starts on 30 January, so if not quite physically, thoughts definitely somewhere half way.

Dream Christmas gift?
A lot of time with my family, with the closest and most importantly good health for all.

Slabôstky, feminine whims that you love to indulge in?
It's been known about me not conceal that I can not resist shoes and handbags (laughs). The fact that I travel so much and I have the opportunity to be the biggest, best cities and places, sometimes you can not say "no" and resist the lure of this area.

Confess sinfully expensive?
There are more, I do not need to talk about specific brands and amounts.

When you see a great piece, Ries brand?
Not appeal to me either at first, then of course I study quality, but the brand is not critical. It must be such that love at first sight, the cry purse or shoes - Daniela, I'm here for you, take me! (Laughs).

Here today, among other things, the speech fell on a healthy diet. It happens like that with taste and Board sinned within the diet, which as senior sportswoman, still have a little different than ordinary mortals?
Yes, jedálničkové sins will indulge example after glorious tournament before the tournament because I am very disciplined. And of course the Christmas holiday are due to violation of discipline and catering at all visits at home with Mom. Resist the Steamed dumpling, plum dumplings and pancakes with Nutella - it just does not, but otherwise I do not feel the need to strongly sin within the food. And yet I find cake mom in the world, although these pancakes with nutella are available almost everywhere. Otherwise, the options are disciplined in my case is difficult also because traveling the world, experiencing different cultures gourmet, but over the years we get together with my team found a path where and how to eat well.

Did your childhood that you want to be tennis player?
Of five years.

How did you come to?
In 1988 he won Milos Mečíř Olympics, when I met with tennis prvýraz, I was fascinated and I knew that I wanted to do too. I asked our so I bought a rocket and I was lucky. Played tennis and my brother, parents took it as diversifying our physical activity. But I was the one who begged them that I wanted the courts always stay longer and longer, they accepted it. My first trainer was my grandmother who gave me incredible technical basis, then, Dr. Bulka aa skvešlí these two people I built my tennis pillars on which games today.

For athletes it is hard to talk about the plans to come tomorrow and injury can all be different, you have a horizon where you would like to end up with tennis?
The sport is all very variable, exactly as you said. Of course my dream is to have j family, but when waking up to the fact that I am healthy, I enjoy it and still be doing well, I see no reason why I should quit ...

Return to sports and women after childbirth and articulate sporting activity with parental responsibilities ...
I admit, I'd rather drag and then given to the family, there should be priorities.

Many athletes aspire after sporting activity practice, you too are going in this direction?
Absolutely not. It appeals to me way more charity, because I had and still have great happiness and I consider it my duty to share and give it more time than before. The second thing I am very fun and fascination fashion, comes with its own collection of baseball caps, T-shirts, visors, another calendar next year.

@ google translate

Australian Open: Cibulkova, Hantuchova also deployed Rybáriková


Today | 13:40 BRATISLAVA - Slovak tennis players Dominika Cibulkova, Daniela Hantuchova and Magdalena Rybarikova will be the opening Grand Slam of the season 2014 Australian Open at Melbourne (Jan 13 to 26) among the 32 seeded in the women's singles. Decided by the results of this week's tournament in combination with the Advice of absence.

Cibulkova figures for 21 position in the unofficial online version of the conversion renkingu challenger after deduction of French women Marion Bartoli, in which the National Association of Tennis Australia (TA) when publishing applications heralded ubudnutie of computer ranking first in this year's version. Regardless Bartoli has ended his career.

Hantuchova calculated at 6 January 32 include and Rybáriková 33 post. Just as the Cibulkova while deployed in the assessment move at least one space up, as Russia's Maria Kirilenko (19 in ratings on 30 December) will miss the AO.

Deployment on single men and women will be under the world rankings to sixth January Seeded players have the advantage that the renkingovo above the opponents to the said date may encounter in the first 3 round. Of Sloveniek will "main draw" play both John and Čepelová Carolina Schmiedlová, between men Lukas Lacko.

@ google translate

Prince ‏@Prince_Tennis 3h
Come by the #PrinceHub at the Crown Entertainment Complex Sat. 7pm (Australia) to meet @dhantuchova & @M_Granollers! pic.twitter.com/lt7sB39U3f

Nice article written by Daniela here:

Daniela Hantuchova Opens Up About Life After Tennis, Fashion & Lucky Sushi

By Blair Henley / Monday, January 13, 2014

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 every 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.

Extreme temperatures put all contenders on ice
Date
January 17, 2014
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Daniela Hantuchova

Melbourne Park when it is very hot is a bit like Wimbledon on a rainy day. Everyone is trying to stay inside and keep themselves relaxed but ready to play. A heat delay - like we had on Thursday - or a rain delay mean the same thing: People everywhere looking for somewhere to sit or lie down or just find a bit of quiet while you listen for announcements updating you about your match court and when you are likely to get on court.

Usually after the first couple of days of a grand slam tournament things have become a bit more quiet in the locker room and the gym and the places behind the scenes, because players have lost early and there are fewer players, agents, coaches and family. You don't have to wait as long for your sandwich in the player cafe and the physios and practice courts are more likely to be available when you need one.

But the heat delays changed all that and there were people everywhere on Thursday. The ice baths have been the busiest places as players are desperate to cool themselves down and speed up their recovery after matches. They have lots of ice baths here and they have definitely been very busy these last few days.

An ice bath might sound great if you're reading this and they do work to help your muscles feel better but the first few seconds when you get into the freezing water make you want to say a lot of swear words! It feels unbearable but it's amazing how quickly you get used to it - it's still not fun but you are only in there for about 7-10 minutes maximum and you feel incredible afterwards. Instead of feeling stiff and sore in the evening or when you wake up the next morning, you feel like you had a nice rest the day before.

My second-round match went for well over three hours (the longest women's match of the tournament up to that point) so I can talk first-hand about playing in the heat.

Those were the hottest conditions I have ever played in. It's very hard to describe because it becomes a mental battle as much as a physical one. You have to remind yourself that this is the reason why you worked so hard in the off-season, so you can feel ready to face anything. Being in great shape is what gets you through those moments.

We all have teams and people to advise us on how much to drink, what to drink and eat and how to manage our bodies. You kind of have to see yourself as a machine, like a formula one car, with a team of mechanics ready to help you perform at your best. We have energy drinks and gels and ice vests but when it's 40 degrees or more on court, you are going to feel the heat and so is your opponent.

I play Serena Williams on Friday in the third round and it's good for my confidence heading into that match to know that I am in great shape and physically and mentally ready. Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Serena is and playing her on a big show court in one of the biggest tournaments in the world is the kind of occasion that I play tennis for. I'll go out there ready for anything.

Follow Daniela Hantuchova on Twitter @dhantuchova





On days like this the ice bath works wonders
Date
January 17, 2014

Daniela Hantuchova
View more articles from Daniela Hantuchova

At Melbourne Park when it is very hot, the ice baths are the busiest places.

In such extreme heat, players are desperate to cool themselves down and speed up their recovery after matches.

An ice bath helps your muscles feel better, but the first few seconds in the freezing water often result in swear words! It feels unbearable upon entering the water, but it's amazing how quickly you get used to it.

It's not fun, but you are only in there for about seven to 10 minutes and you feel incredible afterwards. Instead of feeling stiff and sore in the evening or when you wake up the next morning, you feel like you had a nice rest the day before.

Usually after the first couple of days of a grand slam tournament things are a bit quieter in the locker room and the gym because there are fewer players, agents, coaches and family. You don't have to wait as long for your sandwich in the players' cafe and the physios and practice courts are more likely to be available when you need one.

But the heat delays have changed all that and made for a hectic time. My second round match went for well over three hours (the longest women's match up to that point) so I can talk firsthand about playing in the heat.

Those were the hottest conditions I have ever played in. It's very hard to describe because it becomes a mental battle as much as a physical one. You have to remind yourself that this is the reason why you worked so hard in the off-season, so you can feel ready to face anything. Being in great shape is what gets you through those moments.

We all have teams and people to advise us on how much to drink, what to drink and eat and how to manage our bodies. You have to see yourself as a machine, like a formula one car, with a team of mechanics ready to help you perform at your best. We have energy drinks and gels and ice vests, but when it's 40+ degrees on court, you and your opponent are going to feel the heat.

I play Serena Williams today in the third round and it's good for my confidence heading into that match to know that I am in great shape and physically and mentally ready. Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Serena is and playing her on a big show court is the kind of occasion that I play tennis for. I'll go out there ready for anything.

Follow Daniela Hantuchova on Twitter @dhantuchova