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Personal

Coached by David Kotysa
Began playing at age 3
Father is Milan, who used to be her coach; mother is Jana; has one sister, Veronika; also has one dog, Pepino
Admires Steffi Graf and Lindsay Davenport
Speaks Czech, German and English
Favorite surface is clay and color is blue
Enjoys comedy movies and actress Angelina Jolie
Also likes playing basketball, swimming and table tennis.

Getting to know

Where is your hometown, and where do you live now?
I was born in Brno, Czech Republic, and I still live there.

Tell us a little bit about your family, and if they play tennis or other sports.
My father Milan played tennis, but my mother Jana didn’t. I also have a sister, Veronika.

How did you get started playing tennis, and what was your earliest memory of the sport?
I started playing when I was three years old, hitting the ball around against a wall. I began playing more seriously with my father, who was a tennis coach.

Outside of tennis, what did you like doing as a child?
I liked many different sports and still do, mainly basketball, volleyball, table tennis and soccer.

Tell us a little bit about your early coaching and how you were supported.
My father was my coach early on. I spent some time at a training facility in Washington, but now I train at a Czech national facility in Prosterove. My current coach is David Kotyza.

Who were your tennis idols growing up?
When I was younger, I looked up to Steffi Graf, and now I also admire Lindsday Davenport.

What is the strongest memory of your tennis career to date?
My strongest memory is winning my first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event at Estoril this year.

How do you relax away from the tennis courts?
I like to shop, listen to music and watch movies, especially comedy movies. My favourite actress is Angelina Jolie.

More about Lucie at Lucie-Safarova.Com

last updated october 11, 2008