Article: Lifestyles Magazine Prague: Štvanice Island’s Czech Lawn Tennis Club: A New Vision for the Future
When you smack balls on the well-manicured clay courts that comprise the historic Czech Lawn Tennis Club on Prague’s tranquil Štvanice Island, its hard not to reminisce about the glory days of Lendl and Navrátilová, Kodeš, Korda, Novotná, Mandlíková and Suková. Boasting an integral role in the rise to prominence of all of these Czech sporting legends, the hallowed grounds are the ideal setting for a perfect lazy weekend afternoon should you find yourself with a bit of free time during a visit to “the Golden City.”
“The history of the club is very rich; it is 114 years old now,” says club manager and former Czech Davis Cup Captain, Vladislav Šavrda. “This stadium was built in 1986 and opened with the Federation Cup that year. It was fully booked because Martina Navrátilová made her first-trip back to Czechoslovakia after immigration to the United States. Chris Evert also came. It was really a fantastic event.”
Šavrda himself was center-stage at Štvanice for another memorable moment in Czech tennis history. As captain of the country’s 1997 Davis Cup Team, he led a highly talented squad all the way to the semi-finals before losing a heartbreaking match to Sweden in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
These days Šavrda wears many hats. Not only does he manage the club’s daily operations, but also works with the Czech Tennis Association administering a variety of schools and camps for youths, is Tournament Director for the Annual ECM Prague Open, and is constantly brainstorming on how to better accommodate not only the 450 or so club members, but also a wide spectrum of talent from other countries and especially corporate players.
“What is interesting is that over the last year there are so many new offices, companies and buildings surrounding here,” says Šavrda. “There are a lot of members from these new companies and we also offer company memberships. Also, there are many company tournaments now on weekends. Because the club is very famous, its interesting for these companies to organize one-day doubles tournaments for partners, employees, and others.”
For those who haven’t yet played here, the renowned tennis club sits on the east side of Prague’s Štvanice Island, which is the city’s largest at 15 hectares. The courts are just a short stroll from the bridge that runs between the Florenc and Vltavská metro stations. At the club there are 14 clay outdoor courts, including Stadium Court with a seating capacity of 8,000 and the adjacent Semi-Finals Court. Three courts can be lighted at night and in the winter, eight are covered and available for play.
With business in Prague on the rise and the usual abundance of warm-weather visitors, interest in the club is at an all-time high. Consequently, Šavrda is quick to admit that the club has outgrown its’ space. “Each day I have a lot of requests to play and practice here, especially from players from Russia and other former Eastern Bloc countries. Our capacity isn’t sufficient, so I have to refuse,” says the club manager.
Fortunately for those hoping to serve and volley, there is good reason to be optimistic. Last August, City Hall approved a USD 40 million project that will transform all of Štvanice Island into an important recreation area to be enjoyed by all. The investor responsible for organizing and planning the new construction on the island is a German company, Meridian Spa. A five-year time frame was given for completion of the project, which will include new volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds for children, a pier for kayakers, a cyclocross circuit and a half-pipe for skateboarders.
Although the funds will not be directly allocated to the tennis club, Šavrda is working closely with those at City Hall and Meridien in regards to improvements and additions to the facility. “We would like to build about eight more tennis courts and a tennis academ named after and involving some famous player from the past,” continued Šavrda. “I think it will be very good for us.”
For those who weren’t fortunate enough to witness Navrátilová’s emotional visit back in ’86 or her doubles appearance at last year’s Prague Open, no need to worry. As the tennis gods continue to look down upon the sport’s sacred grounds, one can’t help but to surmise that Martina and company will be back yet again for a curtain call. Czech tennis lovers wouldn’t have it any other way.
