Sports News

In Sports News this Monday: Radek Štěpánek is so frustrated at going out in the third round at Wimbledon that he breaks six rackets; Nicole Vaidišová enjoys something of a return to form at the tournament; Jaromír Jagr is considering his future as his contract with New York Rangers comes to an end; and the Czech football association make an embarrassing claim that Gerard Houllier wants the job of Czech coach, while Klaus Toppmoller’s wage demands could rule him out.

Štěpánek exits Wimbledon in third round after epic clash with Youzhny

Radek Štěpánek in action during his third round match against Russia's Mikhail Youzhny at Wimbledon, photo: CTK

The Czech men’s tennis number one Radek Štěpánek was a very frustrated man after his third round exit from Wimbledon on Sunday; in fact, he was so wound up at losing to Mikhail Youzhny that he broke two rackets on the court and four in the changing rooms after the match. The Czech gave his all in the dramatic, four-hour encounter but his best was just not good enough and he was beaten 5-7 6-7 4-6 7-6 3-6 by the Russian. Štěpánek, who had been unsure of appearing at Wimbledon because of injury, had this to say when he calmed down after Sunday’s defeat:

“I put everything into it. I think I played three matches here that I wasn’t really up to playing, given the state I was in. But I gave my all and I have to look at it positively. If somebody had said beforehand that I’d win two rounds and play a match like today’s I wouldn’t have believed them. But they say fortune favours the brave, so maybe he was braver today.”

Vaidišová shows some recovery of form at All England Club

Nicole Vaidišová smiles through her racquet, after defeating Australia's Casey Dellacqua, in their Women's Singles, third round match at Wimbledon, photo: CTK

Radek Štěpánek’s girlfriend Nicole Vaidišová has been enjoying something of a return to her former standards at Wimbledon, after a rather poor season so far. The 19-year-old was the only Czech singles player left in the competition at the start of the second week, and was due to play Anna Chakvetadze of Russia in the fourth round just as we went to the studio.

Jágr expecting to discuss move with more clubs once Rangers contract expires

Jaromír Jágr, photo: CTK

It remains unclear where Czech ice hockey star Jaromír Jagr will be playing next season. He has been in talks with both his current club New York Rangers and Russia’s Omsk. But from Tuesday the 36-year-old forward will be out of contract and free to talk to any club he likes. Jaromír Jagr:

“I think there will be more teams – at least I hope so. As far as I know more than one other club should be involved. If I can wait till July 1 I will be able to consider more offers. I would be working against myself simply if I sped anything up now.”

Czech football association left looking foolish over “Houllier email”

The search for a new Czech football manager grinds on. The Czech football association were left with lots of egg on their faces last week, after – on the basis of a hoax email – wrongly stating that French coach Gerard Houllier was interested in the job. The Czech FA are due to hold more talks with Germany’s Klaus Toppmoller this week, but may baulk at his wage demands.