In her prime, former world No. 1 Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario was a relentless retriever who wore down opponents with her speed and pinpoint ground strokes. She shocked Steffi Graf to win the US Open women’s singles title in 1994 and finished as runner-up in 1992. She also won the US Open women’s doubles title in 1993 (with Helena Sukova) and 1994 (with Jana Novotna) as well as the mixed doubles title in 2000 (with Jared Palmer).
After putting down her racquets for several years when she retired from the pro tour in November 2002, Sanchez-Vicario has fallen in love with the sport again. She’s competing in the US Open Champions Invitational this year and won her opening match with former doubles partner Martina Navratilova.
USOpen.org caught up with Sanchez-Vicario to reflect on what she loves about the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and her favorites to win the tournament this year.
What are your thoughts about all the changes around the grounds this year?
The facilities are getting bigger and better every year, and obviously it's nice to have the roof so you don't have to wait for the matches when it rains. The roof almost makes you feel a little bit closer to the fans. The atmosphere and the crowd here have always been perfect, so it's always nice to come back.
You’re still hitting the ball well. How often do you get to play?
I don't play as much as maybe some of the other players because I have two young kids, so I'm biking a lot. But I try to play as much as I can. I've played the Champions events in all the Grand Slams this year and am having more fun on the court. Martina [Navratilova] lives in Florida as well, so we try to practice together whenever we can with our schedules and get ready for events like this.
Who are your favorites to win the US Open this year?
For me, the favorite for the men is Novak Djokovic after all of the upsets. And Serena is my favorite for the women. But anything can happen, so we'll see!
