Tennis star Hantuchova relaxes on Marbella beach

By Eloise Horsfield

WOMEN’S tennis fans may well have spotted the world number 20 relaxing on the beach in Marbella yesterday afternoon.

Daniela Hantuchova, fresh from securing Slovak Republic’s place in the Fed Cup’s top group in a gruelling play-off against Spaniard Lourdes Dominguez-Lino, went to wind down by the sea.

The Slovaks fought hard throughout the two-day play-off at the Puento Romano Tennis Club, with the countries finishing 1-1 after Saturday’s matches.

But with the help of teammate world number 17 Dominika Cibulkova, the Slovaks eventually outdid a Spanish team led by four-time Grand Slam winner Aranxta Sanchez-Vicario.

“They are both relaxing now,” said the Slovak team manager after the match. “Dominika is with her mum and Daniela has gone to the beach.”

“It means so much to be back in the World Group,” said Hantuchova after her triumph.

“I came to Spain 10 years ago and we won the whole thing.

“Leaving the country again with another win makes it very special.”