Daniela Hantuchova's Sofia Blog: Thursday - 達妮埃拉·漢圖霍娃 Hantuchova

Friday, November 2, 2012

Well it was a long match again today, and in the end the same thing as
yesterday - I just couldn't finish it off when I had my chances. But overall
I have to say I was happy about this week. Other than my first match I felt
like I was playing well, the match with Caroline being the highlight. And I was
very impressed by the tournament in general - they did a terrific job and
treated us awesome. The crowds were great too. I always felt they were behind
me.

And the shops here are really cute too. One day I went for a walk in the
city - the hotel is right in the center, so it's close to everything - and
right near the hotel was a Lindt shop! I was there almost every day picking up
sweets for family and friends. They already had their Christmas stuff out so I
really had to force myself not to go all the time! I love Lindt - the red
ones are my favorite.

I really hope to be back in Sofia one day :)

I'm leaving tomorrow - well, in a few hours actually! I won't get much sleep,
but I have holidays in front of me where I can catch up on sleep. It has been
a great week. It was fun having my mom and the rest of my family here as well -
and my coach - and just everyone who organized the event. The level was so
high.

Before I do some more of your questions I want to say thank you for reading
my blog this week - it was a pleasure to do it and as always I have to thank
all of you for all the support you give me, not just this week but all year.

I appreciate every single one of you!! I'll talk to you all again soon :)

Dani



What was your best match of 2012? Julie

Hmm... I would have to say against Peng Shuai in Dubai. That was a long time
ago actually! But that was the best I've felt in a match all year. I judge
matches on how I play and how I fight, and that was the best one.


As your brother is an architect, do you have favorite buildings? Jason

Good question! I absolutely love architecture, actually. I totally admire the
way he's been designing houses and villas and apartments - we're actually very
similar as far as what we like. I love fashion and decorating, and I think
there's a lot of similarities. But to answer your question, I do have favorite
buildings around the world. I'm always amazed when we're in Rome - the
Pantheon is incredible, and of course the Colosseum. But also modern places
like New York, Singapore and Hong Kong have great architecture as well.


How is the House Of The Smile in Cambodia doing? You deserve so much
commendation for this loving effort. Alex, USA

Thank you for the very kind words, that's very sweet of you! It's growing all
the time. Hopefully I'll be doing the calendar again next year. Me and my
brother had a great reason to get behind it and we just try to help the kids
as much as we can. It gives me so much energy when I'm in the gym or playing
a match, that the better I do, the better they do. Thank you for asking about
it.



What tournaments will you play in Australia? Jessica, Australia

I'm playing in Brisbane, Sydney then Melbourne. I'm really looking forward to
being Down Under for sure! I love the Australian season.


How do you manage your diet when you're travelling so much? Elwin

I try to be as professional as I can all the time, but sometimes it's just
common sense - like I just stay away from heavy food and fried stuff,
especially when I'm at tournaments. But when I'm out of competition I eat more
of what I like. I do have a weakness for sweet stuff, obviously! It can be
difficult, but I'm professional in everything I do - I'm there to do my work
at the end of the day.


How do you feel about tennis development in Slovakia? Mark

I really think tennis has grown over the years in Slovakia. We have had a lot
of strong players in the past and so many talented kids, so I hope a lot of
Slovak players will be in the Top 100 and Top 50 in the future. The facilities
may not be as big as some other countries, but for a small country we've done
extremely well, and I'm always proud to represent my country, especially in
team competition. Speaking of which... tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of us
winning the Fed Cup title in Spain! It was a very special moment for not only
myself but the entire team I was there with. I was very, very proud, it's
probably one of the biggest highlights of my career so far. The memories will
stay with me forever.



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