Nadia Petrova Olympics

Petrova began playing tennis at the age of eight. Her early training took place in Cairo, where her parents were athletics coaches. She spent four years there before moving on to other training locations like Poland and Amsterdam. These experiences shaped her into the professional player she is today.

Professional Career

Petrova turned professional in September 1999. Over the years, she has faced several injuries that have impacted her career. In 2005, she withdrew from the Philadelphia final due to a bruised right heel and retired from Toronto with a right pectoral muscle strain.

In January 2006, she retired in the third set of her semifinal in Auckland with a left groin strain and pulled out of her quarter-final match in Sydney with a strained hip. Later that year, she injured a muscle in her groin during a practice session before the French Open, forcing her to withdraw from Wimbledon.

In October 2006, Petrova withdrew from Hasselt with a lower back injury. In 2011, she retired in the first round of the Rome Masters due to a hip strain and withdrew from competing in Linz, Switzerland, because of a thigh strain.

Notable Matches

One of Petrova's most memorable matches was at the 2011 US Open. She played against Samantha Stosur in what became the longest women's match in US Open history. The match lasted 3 hours and 16 minutes, ending in a defeat for Petrova.

Coaching and Playing Style

Petrova is coached by Ricardo Sanchez. She plays right-handed with a double-handed backhand. Her technique and style have been honed over years of rigorous training and competition.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of tennis, Petrova resides in Miami, Florida. She is fluent in English and Russian. Her hobbies include fishing and reading. In 2008, she co-founded the Petrova Dream Team with Monica Vila. The business aims to create awareness for various charities and provides education to future tennis stars through the Petrova Academy.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Petrova continues to focus on her business ventures while maintaining her involvement in tennis. Her contributions to the sport and charitable efforts highlight her multifaceted career.

Nadia Petrova's journey from an eight-year-old tennis enthusiast to a professional athlete showcases her dedication and resilience. Despite numerous injuries, she has remained committed to her sport and continues to inspire future generations through her academy and charitable work.