First it was the all Czech women’s quarterfinal, where 17-year-old Nicole Vaidisova dismissed her compatriot Lucie Safarova in a tidy two-set affair. The handshake between the two Czech-mates was quick and simple with hardly a word exchanged. No kiss on each cheek as the Belgians like to do it.
But Safarova was showing some love for her boyfriend, fellow player Tomas Berdych. Berdych, 21, and Safarova, two years his junior, have paired up on the court for mixed doubles in the past, but with far less success than their off-court partnership, now in its four year of fruition.
"We grow up together in the same club in Prostejov, we still practice there. We've known each other since we were small kids," recalled Safarova.
And the blonde duo have equal admiration for one another. "Of course it's a fantastic result for her, she's in the quarter-final," said Berdych, well aware of his other half’s success.
"Both of us are playing really good, (the relationship) has advantages. I think it's true because we know each other, the travel, the practicing, all the things you do together in tennis. Yeah, it works."
Safarova echoes his sentiments.
“We are both really happy. Before the Open, we was like, yeah, speak together. We was like, ‘okay, now together we can do it.’
I was starting the matches, and he was following the next day. Now he has match tomorrow. I hope he will do well.”
While there are obvious advantages of such a relationship, the travel and pressure means the two are in no hurry to make their arrangement permanent. When asked about the possibility of marriage, Safarova innocently replied, “Not yet. We are still too young.”
For now, it appears that this love match is going the distance – a best-of-five encounter if you will – with both Czechs likely to be winners.
But another Czech pair is ready to take the plunge. Radek Stepanek and Martina Hingis, who is originally of Czech origin, are engaged to be married.