Interview with Muchova coach David Kotyza - "Carlos Alcaraz is outstanding"
David Kotyza is one of the most successful coaches in tennis in recent years. We chatted with him at Wimbledon.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Jun 27, 2022, 07:08 pm
By Jens Huiber from London
Why not cheat a little now and then? In the case of a tennis coach who mainly takes care of women, this means a short detour to Novak Djokovic's training. Why not, the way Djokovic is getting closer to his best form day by day is as impressive as it is of course inimitable. David Kotyza still enjoyed the few minutes he watched the defending champion practice.
David Kotyza - this name has been a guarantee of success in Czech tennis for more than a decade, especially as coach of Petra Kvitova. But also as the team boss of the Fed Cup team that terrified the opposing nations. Kotyza's time as captain as well as that at Kvitova's side is long over. After a short interlude with Karolina Pliskova, the 44-year-old has been taking care of Karolina Muchova since spring 2020. The whole story of which was revealed in its essence at the French Open a few weeks ago: First, Muchova beat Maria Sakkari in an enthusiastic manner. Then she had to give up injured against Amanda Anisimova.
The draw for Wimbledon 2022 was not particularly good for Muchova and coach Kotyza, with Simona Halep the winner of 2019 waiting at the start. Three days before the meeting with the Romanian, David Kotyza is still relaxed. And in a chatting mood.
tennisnet : Mr. Kotyza. Because we have him right here in front of us: Can anyone beat Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2022?
David Kotyza : Of course. But if you watch him training here at this level, he's the clear favorite for me at this tournament.
tennisnet : What else can a coach do for a player like Novak Djokovic?
Kotyza : Of course, Novak is in the last phase of his career. But as a coach you still have obligations. He's missing two Grand Slams on Rafa. That will be his biggest goal. A coach can help with that.
tennisnet : Your protégé, Karolina Muchova, recently had to pull out at the French Open. How is she currently?
Kotyza : For Karolina, the most important thing is to be healthy. It was very unfortunate that she injured her ankle in the third round of Roland Garros. In Berlin she wasn't 100 percent ready, but now she is. We're looking forward to the first round - despite the tough draw.
tennisnet : Apart from Iga Swiatek, do you see a favorite among women?
Kotyza : Compared to the men, there are certainly more women's players with a chance to win the title here. I'm sure there will be surprises here. And of course I would be happy to see my player in the final rounds of the tournament. Karolina has many skills to get there.
tennisnet : Above all, did the win against Sakkari in Roland Garros give you self-confidence?
Kotyza : Maria on clay is as tough a challenge as Simona on grass here at Wimbledon. Anything is possible after a successful first round.
tennisnet : Many players prefer to train with hitting partners than with competitors. Is this what your player needs too?
Kotyza : We are in a different situation with Karolina. She missed many tournaments. We just need matches.
tennisnet : Where do you currently see Czech tennis in general?
Kotyza : We still have a lot of talented youngsters, especially among the girls. The Fruhvirtova sisters, Nikola Bartunkova, Linda Noskova, the newly crowned Grand Slam winner Lucie Havlickova. In the men's category, Jiri Lehecka is the leader. He could be the next child prodigy in our tennis.
tennisnet : What are the next steps for someone like Lehecka? Can you compare him to Carlos Alcaraz?
Kotyza : I don't know Jiri that well, but he's all about playing consistently on the ATP Tour now. It's his first year in the top 100. If he trains more often with players like Djokovic, it will help him a lot. He can be part of that group of very good young players. But Carlos Alcaraz is outstanding. Especially in the mental area. We have to be patient with people like Jiri Lehecka.
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