She’s a former World No.1, who won 14 Grand Slams, but his mother’s early passing shaped her career

Eastern Europe has produced some of tennis’ greatest talents. Perhaps the most notable female player from that region is Martina Navratilova, who was born in Prague—when it was still Czechoslovakia—before choosing to represent the United States.

Another standout from the country was Jana Novotna, who excelled primarily in doubles. Many of her biggest victories came alongside Helena Sukova, a player with a remarkable career in both singles and doubles, capturing 14 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic medals.

Tennis ran deep in Helena Sukova’s family. Her mother, Vera Sukova, was a professional who reached the Wimbledon final in 1962, while her father, Cyrill Suk II, served as president of the Czechoslovak Tennis Federation. Her brother, Cyrill Suk III, also became a professional player.

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