Jana Novotná secured her position in tennis history during the 1998 Wimbledon Championships, where she defeated Nathalie Tauziat to become the oldest first-time Grand Slam singles winner of the Open Era. Throughout a professional career that began in 1987, she became recognized for an aggressive serve-and-volley style that contrasted with the baseline-heavy game of many contemporaries.
Early Career and Tactical Development
Novotná turned professional in February 1987. During the initial years of her career, she established a reputation primarily as a doubles specialist. Her transition into a top-tier singles competitor occurred during the early 1990s under the guidance of coach Hana Mandlíková, who worked with her for nine years. This period marked a significant shift in her performance at major tournaments, allowing her to challenge the highest-ranked players on the circuit.
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By 1990, Novotná demonstrated her growth by reaching the semifinals of the French Open. The following year, she achieved a breakthrough at the Australian Open by defeating the reigning champion Steffi Graf in the quarterfinals. Although she ultimately lost the 1991 final to Monica Seles, she finished the season ranked world No. 7. At the 1993 Wimbledon tournament, she reached her first final, narrowly losing to Graf. During the 1997 season, Novotná ascended to a career-high ranking of world No. 2, having reached the Wimbledon final for a second time before falling to Martina Hingis.
Championship Success and Retirement
The 1998 season served as the culmination of her singles career with her victory at Wimbledon. Beyond her success in singles, she achieved significant recognition in doubles, securing twelve major women's doubles titles and four major mixed doubles titles, completing a double career Grand Slam. She also claimed three Olympic medals. Following her retirement, Novotná worked as a coach. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968, Brno
- Died: 2017, Czech Republic
- Professional debut: February 1987
- Career-high singles ranking: World No. 2 (1997)
- Major titles: 1 singles, 12 women's doubles, 4 mixed doubles
- Hall of Fame induction: 2005
- Burial place: Cemetery in Židlochovice
- Citizenship: United States, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia
Questions readers ask
What playing style did Jana Novotná use?
She utilized a serve-and-volley game, which became increasingly rare during her era of competition.
How many times did she win the Wimbledon singles title?
She won the Wimbledon singles title once, in 1998.
Achievements
- International Tennis Hall of Fame — 2005
- Worked as tennis player, tennis coach and coach
