Porridge is Lucie's secret weapon
Lucie Safarova is hoping that a diet of porridge and a cheery outlook on life can propel her to a first Grand Slam title at the relatively advanced age of 28.
The Czech Fed Cup winner made it into Saturday's French Open final at Roland Garros with a nervy 7-5, 7-5 win over former champion Ana Ivanovic on Thursday.
The success brought an end to 12 years of trying to get into a Grand Slam final - her previous best being a run into the Wimbledon semis last year.
In Paris she had failed to get beyond the round of 16 in 10 previous appearances.
Much of the credit for this she puts down to the hard work put in with new Canadian coach Rob Steckley - including a steady diet of porridge to build up her strength.
"We bought a new box yesterday," she told Czech journalists on Wednesday. "I hope this won't become a tradition. I can't even look at it any more."
But for those who have followed Safarova throughout her career, the end result of the fitness regime that Steckley has helped put in place for her is evident to see from her muscular frame.
The extra strength and stamina proved to be vital in her match with Ivanovic, played on the hottest day of the tournament so far, the Serb saying she ran out of gas after a storming start to the match for her.
Oats aside, Safarova is known for being one of the most popular players on the WTA Tour, much of that due to her excellent doubles play and her Fed Cup team duties.
It's an approach she said comes natural to her in the sometimes heartless world of women's top tennis.
"I think sport should be about fair play," she said after the win over Ivanovic.
"I think people should be nice to each other. Doesn't matter if it's sports or in general.
"So that's what I am trying to do, even here. I have a few good friends on tour. It's not easy when you play them, but that's life."
Next up for Safarova, in the match of her life, is Serena Williams. The American No 1 has won all eight of their previous encounters.
(China Daily 06/06/2015 page12)
