Born: 1968 (Brno, Czechoslovakia)
Died: 2017
Biography:
Jana Novotná (Czech pronunciation: [jana novotna]; 2 October 1968 – 19 November 2017) was a Czech professional tennis player. She played a serve and volley game, an increasingly rare style of play among women during her career. Novotná won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 1998, and was a runner-up in three other majors.
Novotná made a significant impact on the tennis world, not only for her skills on the court but also for her sportsmanship and resilience. She was known for her ability to come back from seemingly impossible situations and her never-give-up attitude.
Born on October 2, 1968, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Novotná began playing tennis at a young age. She showed great promise and turned professional in February 1987, embarking on a career that would leave a lasting mark on the sport.
In the early years of her career, Novotná gained recognition primarily as a doubles player. She formed successful partnerships and won numerous doubles titles, including a double career Grand Slam. Novotná’s talent on the doubles court led her to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in doubles, a position she held for an impressive 67 weeks.
However, it was in singles that Novotná truly showcased her abilities. In the early 1990s, she began working with coach Hana Mandlíková, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion. Under Mandlíková’s guidance, Novotná experienced a breakthrough in her singles game.
In 1990, Novotná reached the quarterfinals of the French Open, where she faced tough opponents like Gabriela Sabatini and Steffi Graf. Although she fell short in the semifinals against Graf, it was a sign of things to come.
The following year, Novotná continued to impress with her performance at the Australian Open. She defeated top-seeded Steffi Graf, marking one of the biggest upsets of her career. Despite ultimately falling short in the final, Novotná’s performance solidified her status as a formidable singles player.
Novotná’s most significant achievement came in 1998 when she won the Wimbledon women’s singles title. After years of hard work and perseverance, she triumphed on the grass courts of the All England Club, defeating French player Nathalie Tauziat in the final. This victory was a testament to Novotná’s talent, dedication, and mental strength.
Throughout her career, Novotná faced various challenges, both on and off the court. She battled injuries and setbacks but always managed to bounce back, displaying her resilience and determination. Novotná’s exceptional career left an indelible mark on women’s tennis, inspiring future generations of players.
Beyond her achievements in tennis, Novotná was known for her sportsmanship and graciousness. She displayed a high level of respect for her opponents and conducted herself with integrity, earning the admiration and respect of her peers and fans alike.
Tragically, Jana Novotná passed away on November 19, 2017, at the age of 49, after a battle with cancer. Her legacy as a tennis player and as a person will forever be remembered and celebrated in the world of tennis.
Awards:
– Wimbledon women’s singles champion (1998)
– 12 major women’s doubles titles (completed a double career Grand Slam)
– 4 major mixed doubles titles
– 3 Olympic medals