14-year-old Czech tennis player hogs limelight at Wimbledon
Sports Scene
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Linda Fruhvirtova of Czech Republic plays a backhand in her Girl's Singles second round match against Maria Camila Osorio Serrano of Colombia during the Wimbledon in London, UK, July 09, 2019. /VCG Photo

Linda Fruhvirtova of Czech Republic plays a backhand in her Girl's Singles second round match against Maria Camila Osorio Serrano of Colombia during the Wimbledon in London, UK, July 09, 2019. /VCG Photo

Fifteen-year-old Coco Gauff may have hit the headlines with her sensational run up to the fourth round in the ladies’ singles at Wimbledon this year but the hallowed grass of world tennis has been witnessing a dream run by a teenager who is even younger than the overnight American tennis celebrity. Linda Fruhvirtova has turned 14 only recently but the Czech girl has already become the talk of the All England Club.  

It was not so long ago when the tennis-crazy teenager was scrambling for autographs from the big stars in tennis. But now her time has come. This year, she is playing on the very same courts where her idols showcased their legendary prowess with the racket. Fruhvirtova, who turned 14 in May this year, is rubbing shoulders with her older competitors in the juniors at Wimbledon. 

While living a life on the fast lanes of world tennis and balancing her promising tennis career with her school books, she said in an interview to AFP, “I always went for exams and tests to school but I don't have a problem to manage school with tennis.” 

Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic during her juniors doubles match at the 2019 French Open in Paris, June 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic during her juniors doubles match at the 2019 French Open in Paris, June 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

“I'm really good at school -- and I want to keep it like that. I like most of the subjects,” she added. Roger Federer had already bagged four Grand Slam singles titles even before her birth but this year, while the 37-year-old Swiss Ace is gunning for yet another trophy for his overflowing cabinet, the petite youngster has become the new kid on the block. 

“That's crazy! He is for sure a legend of tennis and just the best player in history,” the star-struck youngster mentioned after admitting that she was in awe after meeting Federer. 

A blushing Fruhvirtova, with the shining braces on her teeth, remarked, “It was amazing to talk to him. He's a really nice guy, a really good guy.” 

She also revealed that she is an avid autograph-collector of tennis stars and her autograph book has got the signatures of the likes of Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka among others.  

“A lot of the top Czech players practice at the club where I did. I usually get to meet them quite often. We say hi.” 

She is currently on her career high junior ranking of 31 since making her Grand Slam juniors debut in May at the French Open.  

This was her first Wimbledon appearance but she stormed into the 3rd round of the girls’ singles before failing to advance to the quarter-final stage after losing to 16-year-old Indonesian Priska Madelyn Nughroho 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday. 

“Wimbledon is a great experience, for sure. This is a beautiful Grand Slam. It has its traditions, playing all in white, and there are so many flowers. It's just unique,” mentioned the youngster, who is vying for a last-eight spot in the girls’ doubles with her 17-year-old compatriot Kristyna Lavickova.