Linda Fruhvirtova gave the cover. At 16, the 279th player in the world came out to everyone’s surprise Elise Mertens in the second round in Miami. “I still can’t believe it. Did this really happen or am I just dreaming?”explained the Czech, who did not imagine for a second that the fairy tale would not stop there.
In the next round, Victoria Azarenka took just two games before surprisingly giving up 6-2, 3-0. The teenager was waiting for the restart of the match when Belarus had already shaken the referee’s hand and left the court.
Called to the microphone, Fruhvirtova stammered a few words with sincere emotion. The abandonment of Azarenka triggered a wave of hate speech on the networks. Vika had to react to extinguish the fire. She decided to take a break after stressful weeks related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Whatever. Fruhvirtova didn’t steal anything from anyone. She traces her path. Moreover, she does not lack ambition. “I’ve always said that I want to reach the number 1 spot. I want to win Grand Slam titles.”
Coco Gauff, Leylah Fernandez or Emma Raducanu embody this very ambitious youth who wants to win everything. Fruhvirtova can join this circle. She has one more asset in her game: her sister Brenda. Two years her junior, she is even more gifted. In 2019, Linda won the famous Petits As tournament. A year later, Brenda raised the bar by winning too.
She is in line with the Czechs who succeed after Krejcikova, Pliskova, Kvitova, Vondrousova, Martincova, Siniakova, Muchova or even Bouzkova to name only the Czechs in the top 100. She has already acquired the certainty of winning a check for 100 000 dollars. A nice sum for this shopaholic.
Place now Paula Badosa (6th).