Hall of Fame Live with Conchita Martínez
Although things leading up to Conchita Martínez’ induction year are not typical, she’s still looking forward to a formal ceremony in 2021 in Newport. The former World No. 2 and Wimbledon champ dialed in to this week’s Hall of Fame Live during what would have been the tournament’s final week and gave us a look at her professional playing career, her coaching insights, and her life since Covid-19 stopped the 2020 season in its tracks.
Here are three things we learned about Conchita Martínez in this week's Hall of Fame LIVE.
She Got a Late Start, but Then Wasted No Time
Watching people play tennis from her third story window in Monzón, Spain inspired Conchita to pick up a racquet and begin hitting against the wall at 9 years old. It wasn’t long after that, that a local coach noticed her obvious talent and encouraged her father to get her more formal training.
Just three short years after first picking up a racquet, she was leaving home to train abroad, although her mother was reluctant to say goodbye. Eventually, she burst on to the professional scene at age 16, making a fast name for herself. She credits her inspiring, and speedy, rise to the immense passion she has always felt for tennis. A passion that is still present as she coaches current World No. 16 Garbiñe Muguruza.
Conchita’s Secret to Wimbledon Success? Embracing Imperfection
After learning on the clay courts of Spain, the unpredictability of grass courts were not something she was familiar with. But, in accepting the challenging surface for its imperfections, she thrived on a surface that many players find to be the most difficult.
Rather that strive for a perfect hit with every swing, Conchita embraced a strategic game on the grass, playing the unpredictable bounce of the ball with honed skills that led her to clinch the Wimbledon Trophy.
Rome Superstitions, Italian Food, and an Ancient Fountain
Like many professional players, Conchita’s great successes in Rome always followed a slightly superstitious routine. When playing in the Italian tournament she always stayed in the same hotel, overlooking the Spanish steps, but away from the official hotel. She would eat at her favorite restaurant, family-owned and with authentic meals, then follow it up with ice cream and throwing a coin in the fountain with a wish for a successful tournament.
While the meals may seem unconventional for a night before an important tournament, who are we to question the 4-time Rome champion?! Unfortunately for future players, her favorite restaurant has moved on so they'll have to come up with their own recipe for Roman success!
Conchita also answered questions from fans, shared who her toughest opponent was, and updated us on where she’s been these last few months. Watch the entire Hall of Fame Live below.
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