Born: 1962 (Prague, Czechoslovakia)
Hana Mandlíková (born 19 February 1962) is a former professional tennis player from Czechoslovakia who later obtained Australian citizenship. She had a remarkable career, winning four Grand Slam singles titles and achieving several significant milestones in tennis history.
Mandlíková’s career took off in the late 1970s when she became the first female world No. 1 junior in 1978, according to the newly launched International Tennis Federation world junior rankings. Her talent and dedication propelled her into the professional tennis scene.
In 1980, Mandlíková claimed her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open. This was just the beginning of her success, as she went on to win three more Grand Slam singles titles throughout her career. The year 1981 saw her triumph at the French Open, followed by another victory at the Australian Open in 1987. Mandlíková’s fourth and final Grand Slam singles title came in 1985 when she emerged victorious at the US Open.
Not only did Mandlíková demonstrate her prowess in the singles category, but she also proved herself in doubles. In 1989, she secured the Grand Slam women’s doubles title at the US Open, partnering with Martina Navratilova. Moreover, Mandlíková reached the finals of four Grand Slam singles events, twice at Wimbledon and twice at the US Open, showcasing her consistent excellence on the court.
Mandlíková’s contributions to women’s tennis extended beyond her achievement in Grand Slam tournaments. She exhibited great leadership skills and played a crucial role in leading Czechoslovakia to three consecutive Federation Cup victories from 1983 to 1985. Her success in this team competition highlighted her ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and brought immense pride to her country.
One of Mandlíková’s remarkable feats is that she became only the third woman in history, after Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, to win Grand Slam titles on grass, clay, and hard court. This accomplishment underlines her versatility and adaptability as a player. In fact, Mandlíková’s remarkable skills were on full display at the 1985 US Open when she defeated both Evert and Navratilova on consecutive days to claim the title.
Her influence and impact on the sport were recognized in 1994 when Mandlíková was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor solidified her status as one of the greatest female players of the Open Era.
Following her retirement in 1990, Mandlíková transitioned to coaching. She mentored Jana Novotná, guiding her to a Wimbledon singles title and a career-high ranking of world No. 2. Mandlíková also assumed roles as the Czech Republic’s Olympic and Fed Cup coach, further contributing to the development of tennis talent in her nation.
Outside of tennis, Mandlíková’s personal life has been eventful. She was born in Prague, the daughter of Vilém Mandlík, who was an Olympic 200-meter semi-finalist for Czechoslovakia at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. Mandlíková married Jan Sedlak, a Czech-born Australian restaurateur, during the 1986 Federation Cup held in Prague. However, the marriage ended in divorce two years later, shortly after Mandlíková became an Australian citizen.
In May 2001, Mandlíková welcomed twins, Mark Vilém and Elizabeth Hana, into the world. She has raised her children with her partner, Sydney Biller, in Bradenton, Florida. Both of her children have followed in her footsteps and pursued careers in tennis.
Hana Mandlíková’s legacy as a tennis icon endures, both for her impressive achievements on the court and for her tremendous contributions to the sport. Her talent, dedication, and versatility have made her a role model and an inspiration for future generations of tennis players.
Awards:
– Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994