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Newport 2015: Talkin’ Tennis with Radek Stepanek
5 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
Radek Stepanek, one of the elder statesman of the ATP Tour at age 37, did a revealing interview for the June issue of Totally Tennis, a magazine published in Sarasota, Florida.
The former ATP No. 8, who will take on American Jack Sock in the first round at Newport this week, said in the interview with Ray Collins, that he hopes to play another two years of pro tennis. Step also discussed some of his romantic involvements, his memories of facing Agassi and why he enjoys living in Bradenton, FL, a few blocks away from the IMG Academy…
On facing Agassi: “I played (Agassi) twice, in St. Petersburg (Russia) and Dubai. His hand-eye coordination was just amazing. He played the ball on the rise. One of the best returners in the history of the game. No matter who was serving, he was standing on the baseline and cracking his returns which was just amazing. Also he was a very interesting person. When we talk about personalities in tennis, he’s definitely at the top of the ranking. He had charisma, he was himself.”
On if he likes dating WTA players (was engaged to Martina Hingis, married to Nicole Vaidisova, dated Petra Kvitova): “Not anymore. I’m done with it [laughs].” (What’s the deal with that? “I don’t know what the deal is with that. It was happening. I said I’d never date a tennis player and look how it ended up – three relationships, one marriage. So I think that’s enough.”
On how he ended up with a residence in Bradenton: “To be honest, I live here because of my coach Petr Korda. He lives here and when we started, he has three kids and he wasn’t going to travel as much as normal coaches do but we found a way to manage our relationship. That’s why I live a hundred fifty meters away from him and I really appreciate our relationship. I’d live in a tent in his garden if I would need to because I think he’s a tremendous coach and has helped me throughout my career and I’m very happy to have the chance to work with him.”
Why he likes Bradenton: “Because of the weather conditions here, year round. At the later stages of my career the weather helps my body with recovery. And they say, Once you survive the preparation in Florida here, then you can play anywhere in the world.”
Last question – is there anything about you that most people aren’t aware of?
Radek: “[Pause]… that I know a million jokes.”
Tell me your best joke?
Radek: “[Pause] It’s difficult to translate into English. And I’m too serious right now.” [After a practice at United Tennis Academy at El Conquistador.]
Stepanek faces Jack Sock in Newport 1R
Dan Markowitz · July 12, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Interesting. Steps was practicing with Haas today and they finished with a breaker which Steps won with a beauty of a backhand half volley touch shot. You could tell Haas and Steps like each other and for a combined 74 years of age, they both move and look great. They also both have two tough opening matches here against Sock and Mannarino, respectively.
Michael in UK · July 21, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Late on this sorry. Great piece, thank you.
I love Radek’s game. I have a memory of summer holiday driving to Italy (from UK) in 2011.
Switched on TV in motel en route, caught sports Channel with Radek winning an Atp tournament in USA, beating Gael Monfils. his delight in the coutside TV interview was great to witness. Saw him up close last year here at Queen’s which was fun too.
Must say, impressive dating record there! I like him even more!
Scoop Malinowski · July 21, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Stepanek is a character Michael, all true lovers of tennis appreciate his personality and unique playing style. That must’ve been when Steps beat Monfils at the Legg Mason in Washington DC. A good win, and his last singles title I believe, fifth overall. My favorite Stepanek story is from doubles with Paes, they had just won the Australian Open, beat the Bryans there, and were playing the Bryans in Miami shortly after on Court 1. Paes and Step were up a set and got the break back and then just broke the Bs, they came back to the changeover chairs all pumped up. I was sitting first row right behind them, next to Paes coach Rick Leach. Paes was on right, Step on left, Step leaned over and said to Paes, “I love you.” Paes leaned over and with his right hand cupped Steps head and brought it closer and kissed his forehead. True story! They won the match too. What a team they were together. Welcome to the site Michael from UK, are you interested in this British giant Tyson Fury vs Wlad Klitschko HWT super fight in October? The press conference was today and it was quite entertaining.
Michael in UK · July 22, 2015 at 6:52 pm
Thanks so much for your reply Scoop, I have been enjoying this excellent site for a year or so, but didn’t have anything to add until the other day. Love the Radek story!
I am not a boxing fan, but I hope you enjoy the match come October.
Talk again some time I hope.
Scoop Malinowski · July 22, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Well Michael, Fury vs Klitschko is one fight you might want to pay attention to, this one has all the elements to be a classic, Fury has a – no I’m not exaggerating – Muhammad ALi like personality – he’s hilarious and witty but a little crazy – and he has the size and skills to trouble Klitschko. Thanks for supporting our site, we do it differently and it’s always nice to know our readers appreciate what we are doing.