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Helena SukovaFormer Czech tennis player
Date of Birth: 23.05.1965
Country:  Czech |
Content:
Biography of Helena Sukova
Early LifeHelena Sukova is a former Czech tennis player. She was born into a well-known tennis family, with her mother, Věra Pužejová Suková, being a finalist in the Wimbledon tournament in 1962, and her father, Cyril Suk II, leading the Czechoslovakian Tennis Federation. Helena's brother, Cyril Suk III, also plays tennis.
Tennis Career
Helena Sukova began her professional tennis career in 1981. She achieved great success in both singles and doubles matches. In singles, she reached the finals of the Australian Open in 1984 and 1989, and the US Open in 1986 and 1993. One of her most memorable victories was defeating Martina Navratilova in the semifinals of the Australian Open in 1984, preventing Navratilova from achieving her 75th consecutive win. Sukova's singles victories include 10 major titles.
Doubles Success
While Sukova had success in singles, her greatest achievements came in doubles. She won a total of 69 doubles titles, including 9 women's doubles and 5 mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. Sukova won Wimbledon four times in doubles, twice at the US Open, and once each at the French Open and Australian Open.
Olympic Success
Sukova also had success in Olympic competition, winning two silver medals in women's doubles in 1988 and 1996 with her partner Jana Novotná.
Later Life and Contributions
After retiring from professional tennis in 1998, Helena Sukova remained involved in the sport. She helped revive the International Lawn Tennis Club of the Czech Republic and became its president. She also served on the Executive Committee of the Council of the International Clubs and was a member of the Czech Olympians' Club. Sukova was recognized for her contributions to fair play in sports and was included in the Czech Fair Play Club.
In addition to her involvement in tennis organizations, Sukova is one of the founders of the "Kids and Junior Tennis Advancement Organization" in the Czech Republic. She is also a member of the "Champions for Peace" organization, along with 54 other renowned athletes.
