1978 Toyota Women’s classic Sydney

Mandlikova’s Remarkable Run: From Teen Sensation to Quarterfinalist at 1978 Toyota Women’s classic Sydney

At the 1978 Toyota Women’s Classic in Sydney, 16-year-old Hana Mandlikova displayed her immense potential, advancing to the quarterfinals with wins including top player Renata Tomanova. Despite her impressive run, she was outclassed by the experienced Dianne Fromholtz but Mandlikova’s performance confirmed her status as a rising star in women’s tennis.

1st round : Hana Mandlikova vs Jane Stratton in 1978 Toyota Women’s classic Sydney

Hana has pace and power to be a champion

by Alan Clarckson, The Sydney Morning Herald

Only a handful of spectators saw a potential Wimbledon tennis champion in action at the Centre Court in White city yesterday

Hana Mandlikova of Czechoslovakia, 16, showed the talent that has ranked her as one of the world’s top junior, taking little time to dispose American Jane Stratton, 6-2 6-1, Monday in an opening round of the $75.000 Toyota Women’s Classic at White City.

There is no doubt that Hana has great tennis talent. She has caught the eye of many famous critics who have seen her play.

She is a tall, slim girl with the raw ability that can be caged to produce a Wimbledon champion.

She plays the game without fear. She hits the ball with the same youthfull exuberance, whether it is the first point of the game or the last. She has remarkable speed around the court. This is probably handed down from her father, Vilem, who made the semi-finals of the 100 metres at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

The tennis purists could probably find many faults with Hana’s game. But these faults are outweighed by the manner she moves around the court, how she positions herself close to the net for the volleys and how she can vary her strokes, hitting them flat, with a slice or with top spin.

Hana Mandlikova has reached the final of the Wimbledon Junior Championships losing narrowly to American Tracy Austin.

As far as tennis goes I would rather watch Hana practice than Tracy play a match.

How these two fine young players will fare on the future only time will tell.

At this stage Hana appears to have a lot more going for her, despite the huge difference in their rankings.

Hana has a fine service and speed, something that Tracy does not possess at this stage.

2d round : Hana Mandlikova vs Renata Tomanova in 1978 Toyota Women’s classic Sydney

Hana upsets #13 Tomanova in nailbiter with 20 breaks of service.

Czechoslovakia has produced two Wimbledon champions by birth but neither Jaroslav Drobny nor Martina walked on to the centre court for their finals as representatives of their country. Both had settled in other countries before their moment of tennis glory.

Perhaps Hana Mandlikova will be the one to raise her country’s flag at Wimbledon.

Experts whose opinion are valued have watched this exceptionally talented girl play in Europe and in Australia, and they rave about her.

Perhaps her biggest problem could well be that she is only 16 and has been playing tennis for seven years.

For the past two years she has been jetting from one tournament to another. She must have remarkable dedication to maintain the drive needed to become a tennis champion.

Hana says that she is determined to get to the top. If her word is good, she will.

Young Hana yesterday defeated fellow Czech Renаtа Tomanova, herself runner-up to Evonne Cawley in the Australian Open in 1975, once more emphasizing her claim as one of the world’s outstanding junior players.

Miss Mandlikova displayed the full range of shots to beat her country’s No. 1 player, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4, in a match lasting over two hours.

Afterwards, the 23-year- old Miss Tomanova was open in her praise of her conquerer…

“She is better at her age than Martina. She has all the ability and shots to become a great champion,” Renata said.

Praise indeed from the girl who grew up with this year’s Wimbledon champion.

A tall girl for her age, Miss Mandlikova combines a powerful service with a top spin forehand and sliced backhand. Plus an aggressive outlook which is typical of a confident young player.

This was the first time she has played Renata in a match although they are constant practice opponents, coming from the same tennis club in Prague.

Again Hana showed that wonderful youthful exuberance in going for her shots even at the most critical period of the match. But there were nerves attached to the game, with 20 service breaks in three sets.

Hana hit her shots well; she had to, as Renata is a tough and relentless opponent.

Hana, who is still an amateur, will meet Daniela Porzio, of Italy, who eliminated England’s Anne Hobbs 6-4 7-5

3rd Round : Hana Mandlikova vs Daniela Porzo in 1978 Toyota Women’s classic Sydney

Mandlikova and Fromholtz Set for Quarterfinal Showdown

16-year-old Hana Mandlikova of Czechoslovakia, continued to impress as she defeated Italy’s Daniela Porzio, 6-4, 6-1. She will meet Australia’s Dianne Fromholtz in Friday’s first quarterfinal.

Fromholtz made easy work of Britain’s Federation Cup player Michelle Tyler, 6-3, 6-1, and the 22-year-old left-hander said she was looking forward to meeting Mandlikova.

Fromholtz, commenting on Mandlikova‘s statement Tuesday that she styles her game after America’s Billie Jean King, said,

“I’ve beaten Billie Jean five times, so if that’s the game Hana plays I’m looking forward to meeting her. If I was Hana, I’d be pretty nervous.”

The Australian’s comment is backed by the fact that prevailing winds at the White City courts favor a left-hander and Mandlikova is receiving intensive physiotherapy for tendinitis in her right shoulder.

Quarterfinal : Hana Mandlikova vs Dianne Fromholtz

Dianne Fromholtz was too experienced for 16-year-old Hana Mandlikova

The quarterfinal match between 22-year-old Australian Dianne Fromholtz and 16-year-old rising star Hana Mandlikova at the Toyota Women’s Classic showcased the contrast between experience and youthful talent.

Fromholtz, known for her powerful left-handed game, used her tactical expertise and the favorable conditions at the White City courts to dominate the match. The swirling winds, often challenging for players unfamiliar with the venue, played into Fromholtz’s seasoned court awareness. In addition, Mandlikova‘s tendinitis in her right shoulder seemed to hinder her ability to compete at her usual intensity.

Fromholtz’s confidence was evident both on and off the court. Before the match, she remarked on Mandlikova’s game, noting its similarity to Billie Jean King’s style—a style she claimed to have beaten five times. Her prediction of having the upper hand proved accurate, as she dispatched Mandlikova in straight sets.

Despite her loss, Mandlikova left a strong impression. Her talent and potential were clear, even against a highly skilled and experienced opponent like Fromholtz.