#0043 lucie hradecka

...the solitary figure a fleeting constellation whose brilliance survives precisely because it cannot remain.

Lucie Hradecká — Compact Overview

Basic Information

  • Full name: Lucie Hradecká
  • Nationality: Czech
  • Born: 21 May 1985, Prague, Czech Republic
  • Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
  • Plays: Left-handed (two-handed forehand and two-handed backhand)
  • Turned professional: 2003
  • Retired: 2022

Career Highlights

  • Career-high singles ranking: World No. 41 (6 June 2011).
  • Career-high doubles ranking: World No. 4 (22 October 2012).
  • Career prize money: More than US$6 million.
  • WTA singles titles: 0 (7 runner-up finishes).
  • WTA doubles titles: 26.
  • Grand Slam titles: 2 women's doubles and 1 mixed doubles.

Grand Slam Results

  • Australian Open (Singles): Third Round (2015).
  • French Open (Singles): Second Round (2009, 2011, 2015).
  • Wimbledon (Singles): First Round (six appearances).
  • US Open (Singles): Second Round (2012).

Although she reached the world's Top 50 in singles, Hradecká achieved her greatest success in doubles. She won the 2011 French Open and the 2013 US Open women's doubles titles with Andrea Hlaváčková, and captured the 2013 French Open mixed doubles title with František Čermák. She also reached numerous additional Grand Slam finals and became one of the world's premier doubles specialists.

Playing Style

Hradecká possessed one of the most powerful serves on the WTA Tour and was famous for hitting both her forehand and backhand with two hands. Her aggressive first-strike tennis, strong volleys and excellent positioning made her particularly effective in doubles, where her attacking style consistently troubled the world's best teams.

  • Powerful first serve.
  • Rare two-handed strokes on both sides.
  • Aggressive net play.
  • Excellent doubles instincts.
  • Powerful groundstrokes.
  • Strong tactical awareness.

Career Development

After turning professional in 2003, Hradecká gradually established herself on the WTA Tour, first in singles and later as one of the world's elite doubles players. She reached seven WTA singles finals and climbed to World No. 41 before increasingly focusing on doubles, where she enjoyed sustained success over more than a decade.

Her long-standing partnership with fellow Czech Andrea Hlaváčková became one of the strongest teams of the early 2010s, winning two Grand Slam titles, an Olympic silver medal and qualifying for the WTA Finals. Later partnerships with players including Sania Mirza and Linda Nosková extended her success well into the final years of her career.

Major Titles

  • Winner of 26 WTA doubles titles.
  • French Open women's doubles champion (2011).
  • US Open women's doubles champion (2013).
  • French Open mixed doubles champion (2013).
  • Winner of multiple WTA 1000 tournaments, including Cincinnati.

Doubles Success

Hradecká is regarded as one of the finest doubles players of her generation.

  • Career-high doubles ranking: World No. 4.
  • Winner of 26 WTA doubles titles.
  • Three Grand Slam titles.
  • Olympic silver medalist in women's doubles (London 2012).
  • Olympic bronze medalist in mixed doubles (Rio 2016).
  • Finalist at the WTA Finals.

International Representation

Hradecká represented the Czech Republic with distinction in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup), helping her country win multiple titles. She also represented the Czech Republic at two Olympic Games, winning silver in women's doubles with Andrea Hlaváčková in London and bronze in mixed doubles with Radek Štěpánek in Rio de Janeiro.

Strengths

  • Exceptional serve.
  • Elite doubles ability.
  • Powerful returns.
  • Aggressive net play.
  • Unique two-handed technique.
  • Longevity and consistency.

Areas for Improvement

  • Singles consistency against the very best players.
  • Movement occasionally limited by her attacking style.
  • Greater success came in doubles than in singles.

Personal Background

Hradecká began playing tennis at the age of four under the guidance of her father, who later became a tennis coach. Known for her calm personality and professionalism, she was respected throughout the tour for her sportsmanship and dedication. After announcing her retirement in 2022, she left the sport as one of the Czech Republic's most accomplished doubles players.

Legacy

Lucie Hradecká is remembered as one of the greatest doubles specialists of her era. A former World No. 4 in doubles, three-time Grand Slam champion, Olympic medalist and winner of 26 WTA doubles titles, she played a significant role in the Czech Republic's dominance of women's doubles during the 2010s. Her rare two-handed forehand and backhand remain among the most distinctive techniques ever seen on the professional tour.

Career Snapshot

  • Czech professional tennis player (2003–2022).
  • Career-high singles ranking: World No. 41.
  • Career-high doubles ranking: World No. 4.
  • Winner of 26 WTA doubles titles.
  • Three-time Grand Slam champion.
  • Olympic silver and bronze medalist.
  • Multiple Billie Jean King Cup champion with the Czech Republic.
  • Known for her powerful serve, unique two-handed strokes on both sides and exceptional doubles success.

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