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Hantuchova regaining form after tough times
Melbourne, Jan 23: Daniela Hantuchova`s 2004 so far has been less than remarkable, and last year wasn`t so hot either.
Melbourne, Jan 23: Daniela Hantuchova's 2004 so far has been less than remarkable, and last year wasn't so hot either.
She lost to Lindsay Davenport in the Hopman Cup final three weeks ago that helped the United States defend its team title, then was defeated in the quarterfinals in Sydney last week before losing in the second round in singles at the Australian Open and the first round in doubles.
She was No 5 in January of last year but her ranking dropped to 19 by December.
In 2002, the 20-year-old Slovakian won her only tour event at Indian Wells, advanced to the semifinals at six other tournaments and was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year.
Last year, her ranking dropped as she vainly tried to defend computer points she accrued in 2002. Adding to her problem was a late growth spurt that left her already slight frame looking gaunt, meaning she had to answer questions about her diet and fitness.
But things are looking up for Hantuchova - she's teamed with Jonas Bjorkman, one of the world's best doubles players, in mixed doubles at the Australian Open. Bjorkman and Hantuchova, seeded seventh, beat the Australian pair of Andrew Kratzmann and Daniella Dominikovic 6-1 6-2 in the first round today.
She has won two grand slam mixed doubles titles: 2002 Australian Open and 2001 Wimbledon.
Bureau Report
She lost to Lindsay Davenport in the Hopman Cup final three weeks ago that helped the United States defend its team title, then was defeated in the quarterfinals in Sydney last week before losing in the second round in singles at the Australian Open and the first round in doubles.
She was No 5 in January of last year but her ranking dropped to 19 by December.
In 2002, the 20-year-old Slovakian won her only tour event at Indian Wells, advanced to the semifinals at six other tournaments and was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year.
Last year, her ranking dropped as she vainly tried to defend computer points she accrued in 2002. Adding to her problem was a late growth spurt that left her already slight frame looking gaunt, meaning she had to answer questions about her diet and fitness.
But things are looking up for Hantuchova - she's teamed with Jonas Bjorkman, one of the world's best doubles players, in mixed doubles at the Australian Open. Bjorkman and Hantuchova, seeded seventh, beat the Australian pair of Andrew Kratzmann and Daniella Dominikovic 6-1 6-2 in the first round today.
She has won two grand slam mixed doubles titles: 2002 Australian Open and 2001 Wimbledon.
Bureau Report