In none of the 49 starts in Grand Slam tournaments in her senior career did Agnieszka Radwańska triumph. In the role of a legend, as titled and well-known former players are called on the occasion of events of this rank, she did it in the second attempt.
Having fun counts. First three-on-one, then a special guest on the court
The Wimbledon 2012 finalist ended her career just over four years ago. She made her Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon last year. Then, together with Serbian Jelena Janković, they were eliminated after the group stage. Now, at the end, together with Hantuchova, they received commemorative platters for the victory. The 33-year-old is happy, although she points out that in this case sports competition was not in the foreground.
“First of all, it’s about having fun, showing a bit of tennis at its best. All we can do is probably play – Radwańska summed up with a smile in an interview with Polish journalists.
The triumph for her and the Slovakian was the victory over Austrian Barbara Schett and Croatian Iva Majoli 6:3, 6:3. And as far as the show was concerned, the former court stars provided some of it. In the second set, at some point, Schett moved to the other side, leaving her partner alone. After a while, Majola was joined by a Polish woman, and after a few more raises, it was at the feet of the Polish woman that the pike fell.
A little later, the Croatian gave up her seat to Casey Dellacquie, who was sitting near the court. The former Australian tennis player took up the challenge, although she was not in sportswear. However, she did not turn out to be her team’s secret weapon – after exchanging a few bounces, she sent the ball far out of play, causing laughter from all participants.
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Thursday’s match took place at the Rod Laver Arena. So it was Radwańska’s return to the center court in Melbourne after a few years of break.
The last time I played it was probably 2017 or 2018. It’s been a while, but time goes by fast. It was nice to see him again. During this stay in Australia, I remember matches even from 15 years ago – the 33-year-old noted.
In London last year the rules were a bit different than now in Melbourne. There were only three women’s duets on the antipodes, which played the system “everyone with everyone”, and additionally each of the tennis players presented themselves in the mixed doubles. The Polish team was partnered on Wednesday by the Czech Radek Stepanek and she also won this ranking.
– Guys play differently. They do all the work for the show. So it was nice. The more that both Tommy Hass and Radek are still in shape, still training. It’s a pleasure to play with people like you who continue to show tennis at its best and have an amazing ball touch. It was pure pleasure to be on court with them. I regret that it was so short – admitted the Polish woman.
However, she herself also contributed to entertaining the audience in Melbourne. Such a play is acceptable in tennis, although it is perceived as inelegant. However, the performance of the two-time Australian Open semi-finalist caused only widespread amusement on the court.
“I had absolutely no plans for it beforehand. The opponent just forced me to do it because she started to stand under the tarpaulin and left me this option – the former tennis player explained to us with a laugh.
After the final there was a short decoration ceremony. The Polish-Slovak duo of triumphants had a chance to say a few words. Radwańska – in addition to thanks – assured that she had a great time and hopes to return for the next edition.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
