Top

Radwanska: There’s no place like home


 

Originally published on: 12/03/12 15:29

Agnieszka Radwanska says that training facilities in her home city of Krakow are so limited that she does not even have a hard court on which to practise. However, there is nowhere else in the world where the 23-year-old Pole would want to be based.
 
“I just love being at home,” Radwanska said. “At the moment I can’t imagine practising somewhere else. We are travelling ten months a year, so I always stay at home if it’s possible.
 
“To be honest, even when I go home just for three days I will relax. I can just eat in my kitchen, sleep in my bed, sit on my couch. These are very important things for me. I really feel good even when I go home for those few days.”
 
Poland has no great tennis traditions, which is reflected in the lack of infrastructure in the country. Asked whether the training facilities in Krakow were good, Radwanska smiled. “Not really,” she said. “I don’t even have a hard court in my city. I practise on carpet or a really fast surface similar to a hard court.
 
“But like I said, I just feel good at home. I’m starting [the day] at home and I have family and friends there. I’m trying to live like a normal girl. We are professional tennis players, but on the other side I want to have my home and my own place and not travel 12 months a year. That would be too much for me for sure.”
 
The arrangement appears to be working well for the world No.5. Radwanska has made a fine start to the year and is hoping to extend her good run in Indian Wells this week. After victories over Sorana Cirstea and Flavia Pennetta in her first two matches, Radwanska faces Jamie Hampton for a place in the quarter-finals.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.