DOHA, Qatar—Tereza Valentova is poised to make a mark in the tennis world, inspired by the legacy of celebrated Czech players. After her impressive first-round victory at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, the young talent expressed her admiration for the Czech tennis legends who have set a high standard for aspiring athletes.
Valentova, born in 2007, is part of a rich lineage of Czech tennis talent, reflecting on her journey with great enthusiasm. “We have so many good legends and recent players,” she stated after finishing a challenging three-set doubles match. “We saw them on TV and I wanted to be the same as them. It’s motivating, seeing what they can do or what they are doing, trying to put that in our game.”
Her potential was highlighted when she clinched the junior title at the 2024 Roland Garros, solidifying her position among the promising stars of the sport. This achievement comes on the heels of a festive time for Czech tennis, with another victory at Wimbledon by a fellow countrywoman just a month prior.
“I remember Marketa Vondrousova winning Wimbledon [in 2023], and also Barbora Krejcikova. I watched both of those matches, and I was like, I really wanted to be like them! Hopefully one day!” she recalled, showcasing her ambition to follow in their footsteps.
Valentova’s enthusiasm and dedication offer a hopeful glimpse into the future of Czech tennis, as she looks to build her own legacy in the sport. Her journey is emblematic of the inspiration and competitive spirit that continue to thrive within Czech tennis, promising exciting times ahead for both her and the nation in the world of tennis.