Daniela Hantuchova has never been one to toot her own horn or seek attention. Though she’s known as one of the most glamorous and photogenic players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, she has been trumped by other blonde tennis beauties whose names end in “ova.”
Hantuchova is sponsored by Nike, but has yet to get her own clothing line, wearing the company’s standard issue outfits. Though she does get a piece of the endorsement pie, her picture isn’t a staple in magazine ads or billboards, and when she was photographed using her cell phone, it was a Sony Ericsson – the same brand that sponsors her Tour. She stays at the main player hotel unlike other players who try to avoid the spotlight, and practices on site for the event rather than booking private courts at a nearby resort.
She does attract crowds and shutterbugs, but doesn’t relish the attention. The shy Slovakian with model looks and a nearly 6-foot frame is still a regular attendee at tennis parties. Who could forget the leopard-print halter mini-dress she donned in Miami, reminiscent of Pebbles Flintstone? But when interviewed at last year’s Glam Slam in New York City, she seems surprised by all the attention surrounding her.
“I guess it’s nice that they are looking,” she told a reporter.
Hantuchova has been through some weight-loss controversy and other personal issues, which may have contributed to the fact that this is only her second title since she won the same event back in 2002.
So you would think that this big win would inspire a big celebration, but according to WTA Communications Manager, Amy Binder, that was not the case.
“Daniela had a nice dinner following her win at her favorite restaurant in Indian Wells, an Italian Restaurant [called] Mama Gina’s. She woke up the next morning after her big win and had breakfast at the hotel [the Renaissance Esmeralda], where the restaurant was poolside. She relaxed by the pool and soaked in the sun,” before heading off to Miami.
Not too shabby since Mama Gina’s is one of the best and priciest restaurants in the city and at the famed but low-key Esmeralda Resort, where rooms go for anywhere from $300-800 a night.