Professional hockey players Tomáš Plekanec and Martin Nečas recently attended the Wimbledon championships, providing a rare glimpse into how elite athletes experience one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.
The Athlete’s Perspective on the All England Club
For Martin Nečas, the Wimbledon experience represents a significant step up from other major sporting events like the US Open. Nečas noted that the atmosphere at the All England Club is defined by its “classy” aesthetic, specifically highlighting the absence of intrusive commercial advertising. According to Nečas, the ability to access the inner workings of the venue left a lasting impression on him as a spectator.
Tomáš Plekanec, the sports director for the Kladno Knights, attended the tournament to support his wife, Lucie Šafářová, a former WTA top-five player and 2014 Wimbledon semifinalist. Plekanec observed that being at the tournament with a high-profile former player changes the dynamic of the visit entirely, noting that he often walks twenty meters ahead to avoid the frequent stops caused by fans recognizing his wife.
Grass Court Ambitions: From Ice to Turf
Beyond spectating, the two hockey players took the opportunity to test their own skills on the venue’s legendary grass surfaces. Nečas, a self-described tennis enthusiast, identified Rafael Nadal as his primary inspiration. He noted that his background in hockey translates to his tennis game, particularly his two-handed backhand, which he hits from the left side just as he would a hockey stick.
Plekanec maintains a more modest view of his own tennis abilities. When asked about his chances against his wife, Šafářová, he admitted he would likely win only three out of every hundred points. Plekanec also shared that their daughter, Leontýna, has begun playing tennis, though he is currently under strict instructions from his wife to refrain from coaching her to ensure her technique remains sound.
Future Trends in Athlete Cross-Training
Nečas described the experience of watching Karolína Muchová’s third-set match against Coco Gauff as physically draining, stating that he felt more fatigued from the tension of spectating than he would have if he had played on the court himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who did the hockey players support during the tournament? Both Nečas and Plekanec expressed enthusiasm for the success of Czech players, with Plekanec noting a personal connection to coach Tomáš Krupa, who works with Linda Nosková.
- How did they manage to play on the grass courts? Nečas described the process as “prekarious,” noting that they moved between various practice courts as they were asked to vacate different areas throughout the day.
- Is tennis a common hobby for professional hockey players? While individual interests vary, Nečas considers himself a solid player among his peers, utilizing his hockey-honed hand-eye coordination on the court.
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