Definition
Sandra Kleinová is a Czech former professional tennis player who competed on the WTA Tour from the late 1980s through the early 2000s.
Overview
Born on 26 April 1970 in Prague, then part of Czechoslovakia, Kleinová turned professional in 1988. Over the course of her career she achieved a highest singles ranking of world No. 46 on 2 October 1995. She captured two WTA singles titles and reached the fourth round of Grand Slam tournaments on three occasions—Australian Open (1995), French Open (1995), and Wimbledon (1996). On the doubles circuit she attained a career‑high ranking of No. 47 (18 July 1994) and won two WTA doubles titles. Kleinová represented the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup and competed in the women's singles event at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She retired from professional competition in 2001.
Etymology/Origin
The given name Sandra is a short form of Alessandra or Alexandra, derived from the Greek Alexandros meaning “defender of mankind.” The surname Kleinová is the feminine form of the Czech surname Klein, itself a variant of the German word klein meaning “small” or “little.” The suffix ‑ová is a grammatical ending in Czech indicating a female bearer of the family name.
Characteristics
- Playing style: Right‑handed with a two‑handed backhand; noted for solid baseline play and consistent groundstrokes.
- Career highlights: Two WTA singles titles, two WTA doubles titles, top‑50 singles ranking, multiple fourth‑round appearances in Grand Slam events.
- Representational record: Member of Czech Fed Cup teams and Olympic competitor (1996).
- Retirement: Concluded professional career in 2001 and has since been involved in tennis coaching and commentary within the Czech Republic.
Related Topics
- Czech Republic tennis players
- Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour
- Fed Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup)
- Tennis at the 1996 Summer Olympics
- List of WTA singles title winners