More summer fun for Hantuchova
NEW HAVEN
Just a few years ago, Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova was one of the WTA Tour's
rising stars. Appearances in Grand Slam quarterfinals and stints in the world
Top 10 all but guaranteed a promising future.
Over the last two seasons, however, Hantuchova has struggled. She finished the
2002 season ranked No. 8, but slipped out of the top 30 at the end of last
season.
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This summer, Hantuchova has enjoyed a resurgence, and her successful season
continued Tuesday with a 6-4, 6-2 first-round win over Spain’s Nuria
Llagostera Vives on Stadium Court.
Hantuchova will next face sixth-seeded Patty Schnyder.
Hantuchova, ranked No. 21, appears to be playing her best tennis in years. On
the hard courts this summer, Hantuchova has reached the semifinals at
Cincinnati, the quarterfinals at Stanford and the finals, her first since
Eastbourne in 2004, at Los Angeles, where she lost to Kim Clijsters.
If the last couple of months are any indication, Hantuchova could be a factor
at the U.S. Open, which starts next week.
"I’ve been really pleased with the way things have been going this summer,"
Hantuchova said. "I couldn’t ask for better preparation before the U.S. Open.
I felt like I had a really good run at the West Coast. I just hope to keep the
momentum going headed into the U.S. Open."
Hantuchova attained her highest career ranking at No. 5 in 2003 after reaching
the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. She also made the quarterfinals at
both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2002, the same year she won at Indian Wells
for her only WTA title.
Now on the brink of the top 20 for the first time since January 2004,
Hantuchova believes a more relaxed approach has benefited her game. She also
reached the semifinals at Doha and the quarterfinals at Tokyo and Dubai while
making the third round in all three Grand Slams this season.
"I must say I am much more aware of what I am doing on the court now,"
Hantuchova said.
"When I was in top 10, everything was easy for me. I had nothing to lose. I was
just swinging at the ball and had fun; there was no pressure. Definitely now I
am more mature and making much smarter decisions on the court."
In just a short amount of time, Hantuchova believes certain aspects of her
game, mainly her serve, have greatly improved.
"I’ve been serving really well,"
Hantuchova said. "It helps to win a lot of easy points. I really got on top
of her (Llagostera Vives Tuesday) and didn’t let her play the way she likes to.
I tried to play really aggressive, but at the same time not hit a lot of crazy
shots.
"So many times (in the past), I had so many options with my shots that I
always didn’t try for the smartest one. The hit might’ve looked good, but
it wasn’t the one that was going to win me a couple of points. At the highest
level, that’s what it’s about, winning those really important points at the
right time."
The Pilot Pen has been a good stop for Hantuchova in her five appearances in
New Haven. She reached the quarterfinals last year and the semifinals in 2002.
"I really like the courts here,"
Hantuchova said. "I think it’s a great warm-up tournament before the U.S. Open.
Obviously, the fans have always been a great part of my success here.
Definitely, I enjoy playing here."
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