Sport
-
Tennis
Rejuvenated Kucera hungry for more success
By K. Keerthivasan
CHENNAI, JAN. 4. The pages of history will evaluate the life and times of Karol Kucera as before and after Miloslav Mecir.
Such had been the influence of former coach and a losing finalist in two Grand Slam events on the 27 year-old, that Kucera became the second Slovakian player, after Mecir, to reach the top 20 in the ATP rankings.
``Miloslav was the most important person in my career. It was he who gave my game the final touch. Undoubtedly that was the best phase in my life, Kucera said in an exclusive chat with The Hindu. Now with a new coach, and after having recovered from a wrist injury, Kucera is on the comeback trail.
Born and brought up in an undivided Czechoslovakia, Kucera took to tennis at the age of eight. ``I was lucky as I grew up in a communist regime where we were provided with racquets, courts, balls. Coaching was never a problem.''
Mecir who is a `big idol' in Slovakia, took Kucera under his wings when he was a ball boy during a tournament. ``I have followed all the matches that Miloslav has played,'' said Kucera.
There is a striking similarity to Mecir's game - those whipping backhands, that casual oncourt demeanour. ``I thing I am different from Mecir. We might be having similar techniques but Miloslav had unbelievable talent and concentration.''
The parting of ways with Mecir in November last, has been natural and gradual. ``Miloslav's back problem was getting worse. Working and traveling were getting tough. And moreover, I am a kind of person who likes to work with a new coach. But still we are close friends. Miloslav watches my game even now,'' said Kucera.
The last two or three years have been pretty tough for him, especially with the wrist injury. Kucera recollects: ``It was tough, as I did not want to consult different doctors and was scared about operations. So I started to exercise and took treatments. Now by god's grace (he touches his head as a sign of touch-wood), everything is fine''.
Kucera, who skipped many tournaments last year, now vows to compete more. ``I lost three months each in 2000 & 2001,'' he rued.
The philosopher in him prevented him from going further downhill during the testing times. ``Sport is full of ups and downs. There are only a few, like Pete Sampras for example, who can play consistently. And there are only a couple who can create the magic - like Michael Jordan and Pete.''
His best performance came when he defeated Pete Sampras in the quarterfinals of the 1998 Australian Open. He cherishes the win to such an extent that whenever he goes out to play, he `remembers the game.'
He doesn't believe in numbers nor will he set himself new targets. ``I don't want to say a number. I want to play more tournaments.'' Kucera's major problem has been his service. He once faulted seven times in a tournament. ``I am serving well. I saved four set points in the earlier match,'' countered Kucera.
With five ATP titles, and a new coach in Marian Vajda, the hunger for success is back. ``I am going to be a father, and it gives me a quietness in my heart which has never been before. This is very important for me, not only as a tennis player but also as a human being.''
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Sport
|
