Nicole Vaidisova, once ranked #7 in the world in women’s singles, was back in action in Miami this week–winning her opening match 6-1, 7-6 over Timea Babos. What’s so great about Vaidisova winning a first rounder? It was the former prodigy’s first tour victory since 2010. Vaidisova entered the Miami Open with a wild card invitation. That’s the only way in when you’re ranked 328th, as Vaidisova was entering Miami.
What happened to Vaidisova? How did she fall so far? A couple of shoulder surgeries didn’t help–and neither did a doomed three-year marriage to fellow pro Radek Stepanek. (They are now divorced.) The 25-year-old talent from the Czech Republic is on the upswing though. She’s 13-5 this year and she sounds upbeat on social media. Vaidisova posted on Instagram: “My Miami run came to an end yesterday,of course i wish id be longer, but great 2 matches and a lot of things to work on. Now 2 weeks practice in Florida and off to the european clay.”
