Interview on BTV 28.10.2012

Daniela Hantuchova is no sex symbol
November 9, 2012 11:10 AM by StraitsTimes.com

The 1.81m-tall tennis pro says she "absolutely will not" consider herself a sex symbol

She has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated in a bikini and also posed nude on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's The Body Issue.

Daniela Hantuchova has been known for her stunning good looks as much as her accomplished forehand on the tennis court. In fact, the 29-year-old intends to rely on her beauty when she retires from the game, as she ponders a career as an actress or on the fashion runway.

But for now, the only strutting she will be doing is on court, as she chases her dream of winning her first Grand Slam singles title.

Asked if she considers herself a sex symbol, the 1.81m-tall Slovak - who will compete in Singapore later this month at the Clash of Continents - laughs off the tag.

"First of all, I'm an athlete and these things are just fun to do from time to time," she told The Straits Times in an exclusive interview.

"It's part of my job, but I absolutely will not consider myself that."

But she admits that being blessed in the looks department does have its benefits. For example, better-looking players tend to have better support from the crowd, a fact she can attest to.

"I hope that it's not for the looks but for my game. But, sometimes, whatever works is good," quipped the blonde, who has earned five Women's Tennis Association titles.

Since turning pro in 1999, Hantuchova, whose highest singles ranking was No.5 in 2003, has enjoyed most of her success in the doubles and mixed doubles.

In 2005, she became one of only five players to have completed the Grand Slam in mixed doubles - winning the French and US Opens that year to add to her 2002 Australian Open and 2001 Wimbledon victories.

A self-confessed perfectionist, she believes that it is the excessive pressure that she puts on herself which has prevented her from replicating that success in her singles game.

She explained: "In doubles and mixed doubles, I don't think about the results.

"I never went on court trying to win Slams or something. It's fun and, suddenly, there they were, all the titles.

"If I would be able to play like that in the singles, it would be a different story. But it's never too late right? That's what keeps me going, trying to figure out how I can do that in singles."

But the ever-evolving sport has changed from the time she burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old. Then she came up against the likes of more finesse players like Martina Hingis and Justine Henin.

These days, the emphasis is much more on power.

Said the world No.32: "I prefer to play against Martina and Justine and people who were actually playing it like a chess game. It was more about the fine shots, but now it's more about hitting the ball as hard as you can.

"I definitely enjoyed those times much more."

To cope with the physical nature of the modern game, Hantuchova puts in as much effort in the gym as on the court.

"I've always been professional in this part and I think I actually enjoy working out more than being on the court," she said.

But before the rigours of the season begin again with the Australian Open in January, she is looking forward to a week-long trip to Singapore for shopping and a golf game or two.

"I absolutely love the shopping, it's absolutely amazing," said Hantuchova, who was here last year for the Singapore Women's Tennis Exhibition.

"Travelling so much around the world, I've never seen something like that. It's like New York, Rome, Milan, altogether in one place. I'm definitely looking forward to that, especially before Christmas time.

"Hopefully, I will get to play some golf too."

This story was first published on November 7, 2012 on StraitsTimes.com.

Australian Open outfit:


Roland Garros outfit:

THE SLOVAK MARCA.COM LOOKS BACK ON HIS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Hantuchova: "I want to be in the Top-Ten"
DAVID MENAYO 03/12/12 - 15:10.

Daniela Hantuchova is one of those players who has chosen temporarily train in Spain (Sánchez-Casal Academy in Barcelona) to relive better times. At 29 years is a veteran of the circuit, which does not prevent further excited and aspire to greater heights. The Slovak MARCA.com kindly attended in full preseason.

Daniela Hantuchova (Poprad, 1983) closes the twelfth consecutive season in the top 40 of the WTA, ranking 32 out of the No. 5-ranked worn on January 27, 2003. "I think 2012 has been a difficult year for me. Had a great start to the season, making the final in Brisbane, winning in Pattaya and feeling very good about my game, but desfortundamente, during the Fed Cup tie against Spain, suffered a fracture stress on the left foot that kept me away from the tracks two months (missed the entire clay tour) and marked left me for the rest of the season," says the star, who has played 50 games (26-24) most notably the London Olympics, where she reached the eighth-final: "It was my third Olympics. was a special moment, especially played on grass at Wimbledon."

The Slovak, who lives in Monte Carlo, has had a few weeks of rest and renewed hopes faced with preparing the new year. "In tennis, in sport or in life generally can not predict the future, so let's see what we bring in the new year. The only thing I'm sure of is that I will give my best all day," says Daniela, professional since May 1999. "I never lacked motivation when training or playing, because I still have many things to do on the tennis courts. Definitely, the circuit is increasingly matched, any player can win a tournament and the demand is high in each game," she says. An objective for the 2013? "I want to be in the Top-Ten." For Dani, as his closest friends know, "Vika (Azarenka) is real because the number one ranking on the advice, but of course that Maria (Sharapova) and Serena (Williams) has made ​​an extraordinary year. The three are doing amazing work for women's tennis."

Top as a tennis player and model
Hantuchova was hooked to the sport watching on television as his compatriot Miroslav Mecir hung the gold medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and has since lived racket in hand. "Tennis has been my passion from very small and I have to be happy to be able to devote myself to what I like. i'm Very grateful to my family and friends because mine are the most important for me," she says. Looking back at what moment are over a decade career, Hantuchova highlights "the Fed Cup 2002 after beating Switzerland achieved (first round), France (quarterfinals), Italy (semifinals) and Spain (final) , and individual titles at Indian Wells 2002 and 2007 beating Martina Hingis and Svetlana Kuznetsova."


Daniela, on the cover of ESPN Magazine.
After starting the year with Claudio Pistolesi as coach, Dani finished the season at the orders of Edward Nicholas, who trained at the Academia Sanchez-Casal in Barcelona. "We focus on mobility in the track so that Daniela can thus realize that treasures technical talent," said the coach, "I worked with Eduardo in 2007 and it was all fantastic. Whenever I feel very comfortable with both training in Barcelona Angel Eduardo Giménez and with or Emilio Sanchez Vicario, whom I am very grateful for all foulbrood've learned with them. " Her perfectionism, often extreme, have added pressure to tackling big games. But their curriculum adorn it five individual titles, nine doubles titles and four titles-all four Grand Slam mixed doubles.

Off the slopes, Daniela known for its status polyglot (speaks Slovak, English and German to perfection), his good qualities as a pianist and his unabashed smile. Hantuchova has shown defend well not only in tennis, but in front of a camera as a model exercise. In 2009 appeared in the Sports Illustrated bathing with their counterparts Maria Kirilenko and Tatiana Golovin, and this year she posed nude for the magazine 'The Body Issue "of ESPN. "It was a totally different experience to what we had before. Photographer and the whole team were very professional and treated me very well. We did it in Rome, it was fun and I enjoyed the experience. But I have very clear when I devote tennis", just laughing.

@ google translate.

People, chairs, referring National Council of angel Hantuchova and devil Martikán
TASR | 6 December 2012 11:40 - Updated 12/06/2012 12:12

People, chairs, refers tennis player Daniela Hantuchova and Michal Martikan waterman who today, at Nicholas, visited the National Council dressed as an angel and a devil. In parliament, then in kindergarten to elementary Siberian street in Bratislava emphasize the need of healthy lifestyles and prevention, to which people would not forget.

Handing out gingerbread and healthy apples. The event covers the parliament chief medical committee Richard Rasi, an angel with devil welcomed by the President of the Slovak Parliament Pavol Paska (both Smer-SD).

"With Misom we are here to ensure that we have highlighted not only our youth, but all the people that are the most moving. On how important is a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle. Especially kids to not sit in front of a television, before computers, but to find time to exercise," said Hantuchova, who has for his angelic appearance earned by Rashi assessment:" It looks very dangerous. "

Hantuchova also recommended prefer fruit candy before. Martikán says that one sweet hurts, it is, however, a move to sweat it do not work too. "Do not be afraid to give yourself the sweetness. Watch what your body calls for and what is healthy," said Slovak waterman. He stressed the need to move and prevention. "It's very important," he said. Agrees with him and Rashi. "Prevention is what saves lives," said the fact that a healthy lifestyle is of course also an active sport. "This is the best form of prevention," he said.

During the parliamentary event surgeons measure blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol and fat content and muscle in the body. Examinations are held 10:00 to 16:00 h. The event is to highlight the deteriorating lifestyle in Slovakia, where a lot of obese people is increasing, cardiovascular disease and cancer and also learn about the importance of prevention. Hantuchova Martikán athletes and organizers invited because they represent a healthy lifestyle. According to Rashi people will believe them more than "some politicians" who on prevention and health talk on television. "You better find a way for those who are truly representatives of the sound," he said.
@ google translate + video


VIDEO: Angel and devil Hantuchova Martikán link: People chairs!
Today 13:39 TASR, Red Sport

BRATISLAVA - Tennis star Daniela Hantuchova and double Olympic champion in slalom canoeing Michal Martikan arrived on Thursday, the National Council of the Slovak Republic by Nicholas the lightweight support the movement, prevention and healthy lifestyle.

Hantuchova like an angel and a devil mask with Martikán distributed in parliament apples and gingerbread and the health committee passed a medical examination.

The parliament and then in kindergarten to elementary Siberian street in Bratislava emphasized the need of healthy lifestyles and prevention, to which people would not forget.

Video @ @ google translate


Angel Hantuchova and devil Martikán came to see Members
By SITA, today 12:19, updated today 14:35

Daniela Hantuchova and Michal Martikan warn the parliament visitors to move.
"Eno - Nuno," comforted Béla Bugár.

Tennis star Daniela Hantuchova and multiple Olympic champion Michal Martikan.
SITA / Marian Peiger
BRATISLAVA 6th (AP) - Eno - Nuno, enjoyed Bugár

"Eno - Nuno," commented a member of your health for the Most-Hid Béla Bugár. "Cholesterol I have 5.3, I have the pressure to normal, did not ban me or sweets," he said, that he measured a slightly higher blood sugar blood, as has previously fasted, but with a piece of chocolate in your stomach.

Bugár in his own words exercises three times a week, runs a practice for back problems. 'You know, in politics it quickly crooked spine., But no, I have hernia between the fourth and fifth vertebrae, they wanted me to operate. Since then I practice, "he added with smile.

The only negative aspect for Bugár an occasional cigar smoking. "Feeder I have a wife that I'm not banned," he said with a laugh.

In contrast, the tests did not fare as well as deputy Alojz Posted KDH. "I have more movement and less to eat. Measured me a little more pressure, but I'm on the edge of obesity. Practice I will, I promise, and eat less," evaluated. Tennis star Daniela Hantuchova and multiple Olympic champion Michal Martikan arrived on Thursday in Parliament to support the movement, prevention and healthy lifestyle.

Hantuchova as angel and devil Martikán to distribute visitors to the National Council of apples and gingerbread and the health committee passed medical examination.

"We are here mainly to have highlighted not only our youth, but all the people that are the most moving. Movements, a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle choices affect not only our work, but as we all be happier and more successful," said Hantuchova .

"Only when we realize what we can in the wrong in your life, we begin to think how to arrange the lives better," said Speaker of Parliament Pavol Paska. She hopes to visit the Slovak elite athletes back National Council "is good because of the evil sometimes seems that there is really enough."

Sport is a medical committee under President Richard Rashi necessarily linked with a healthy lifestyle and is considered as the best form of prevention.

"I used to say that prevention saves lives," he said, that if we have a healthy youth, the whole society will be healthy. Therefore welcomed the Martikán and Hantuchova came to support and propagate the idea of ​​prevention activities and sports.

The event dedicated to the prevention of health, people in the medical committee may be screened blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, the proportion of fat and muscle in the body, so the overall efficiency of the cardiovascular system.
@ google translate.


Hantuchova explains why it came into Parliament as an angel
The company made the devil, Olympic medalist, Martikán.

BRATISLAVA, 06/12/2012 11:54 | TASR / TVNOVINY.sk 2
Parliament came to the tennis player Daniela Hantuchova. Instead of rockets, however, brought the wings. The National Council is entered as an angel accompanying Nicholas. There is a devil, played by Michael Martikán waterman. Both promote a healthy lifestyle.

Hantuchova like an angel.
(Photo: AP)
"With Misom we are here to ensure that we have highlighted not only our youth, but for all people to be the most moving. For this, it is important to a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle. Especially children to not be sitting watching television, before computers, but to find time to exercise," said Hantuchova.

Hantuchova also recommended prefer fruit candy before. Martikán says that one sweet hurts, it is, however, a move to sweat it do not work too.

"Do not be afraid to give yourself the sweetness. Watch what your body calls for and what is healthy," said Slovak waterman.

During today's parliamentary event surgeons measure blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and the proportion of fat and muscle in the body. Investigations will be carried to 16.00.
@ google translate

Tennis star Daniela Hantuchova faces age-old challenge
Damien Stannard
The Courier-Mail
December 22, 201212:00AM

MENTION the big three-o to Daniela Hantuchova and she recoils, burying her face in her hands like a frightened four-year-old.

It is a daunting and inevitable milestone that she will reach in April next year, her 15th as a professional tennis player.

When she re-emerges from those hands it is with a smile, promising that the amazing feats of her older peers reassure her that the best is yet to come.

"I have so many friends that turned 30 this year and they seem to enjoy it. It's just a number,'' said Hantuchova who is training at Coolum ahead of the Brisbane International.

"When I get there I'll see how I feel but I can't believe it. It wasn't so long ago I thought 30 was old."

The encouraging number for the stunning Slovak is 11 - a WTA record high for the number of players aged 30 and older in the season ending top 100.

Japan's Kimiko Date-Krumm is the pin-up among the veterans and has vowed to play on next year when she will turn 43. Although tired of questions about her age, the world No.99 finds it amusing that she is about the same age as the mothers of many opponents.

"I enjoy the time I spend on the court. I still play in the Grand Slams,'' she said.

"I enjoy winning, and enjoy fighting on the match and hope to continue doing it as long as possible."

Other club members include 30-year-olds Li Na and Nadia Petrova, and Venus Williams, 32.

The benchmark is undoubtedly Serena Williams who, at 31, could reclaim the top ranking and complete a Serena Slam at the Australian Open next month.

"I'm pleased there are so many around because it gives me great motivation,'' Hantuchova said. "These days it's not so easy for the younger ones to break through because the overall standard is much higher.

"I have so much respect for Serena. She's done so much for our sport and has been an inspiration for me.''

Hantuchova loves Australia and is fascinated by the scrub turkeys and kangaroos which loiter around the Palmer Coolum Resort where she will play an exhibition match tonight against Jarmila Gajdosova.

The world No.32 played her first Australian Open as a 17-year-old and hit a career-high No.5 in 2003 when she reached seven quarter-finals. She reached the final at this year's Brisbane International and the third round at Melbourne Park before a stress fracture in her foot affected her performances in the second half of the season.

The Monaco-based right-hander has overcome that injury and is once again confident despite facing a field in Brisbane that includes top-10 stars, world No.1 Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur.

"Opponents aren't in my control so whatever comes I just deal with it,'' Hantuchova said.

"I make sure I'm ready mentally and physically. It's exciting because I don't know what to expect.

"I don't want to put any extra pressure on myself but I do want to do well.''

Tennis pro swaps the courts for the beach with Julian's help
Richard Bruinsma 28th Dec 2012 7:06 AM

WORLD-RANKED tennis pro Daniela Hantuchova captivated beachgoers when she swapped the heat of the hardcourt for the soft sand and cool waters of Coolum, and a private lesson with surfing pro Julian Wilson.

The conditions were less-than-ideal at Wilson's home break, but the world tennis number 32 persevered with her patient tutor for around an hour, managing to stand up briefly on the mini-mal just once, before emerging from the waters with a big smile and the satisfaction of trying something new.

"It was a lot of fun," she said with a laugh. "One more hour and it would have been great." It was only her second time on a board.

Wilson, one of the region's best in the Coolum waves, was also supportive. "It was pretty challenging out there; that was about as tough as it gets," he said of the messy chop.

Hantuchova has been at Palmer Coolum Resort on a working holiday, preparing for the Brisbane International and the Australian Open.

Having left subzero temperatures of home just 10 days ago, and touching down to blistering heat locally, a chance to enjoy the cool surf yesterday was a no-brainer.

"It was pretty brutal, coming from Europe we had minus 10, and it took us a few days to get used to it, but I got over it now and I'm feeling good," she said.

"If I had more time I would be spending every day on the beach but, you know, I still have to wait for that after I finish my career."

IMG Players' Party At Crown
Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 5:21PM
...
With most players rushing through due to matches scheduled for the next day, the last player I was able to chat with was Daniela Hantuchova.

Kait: Hi Daniela. Do you have a New Year's Resolution?
Daniela: Not to have one! (laughing)

Kait: Did you have one last year?
Daniela: Yeah last year was just trying to stay healthy, which didn't happen throughout the whole year but this year I just decided my resolution is not to have one.

Kait: How would you describe your off court style?
Daniela: Just easy and simple, like easy tops and jeans. But of course you know for occasions like this I like to dress up nicely.

Kait: Do you have one beauty product you can't leave the house without?
Daniela: Sunscreen obviously!

Kait: Good answer. If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would they be?
Daniela: Oo. That's a toughy. I think Brad Pitt! (Laughing) That's an obvious one! Nelson Mandela. And the third one, my mum!