I’m ex-Wimbledon semi-finalist who dated two former champs… now I’m doing a very different job
RADEK STEPANEK has swapped the green grass for green energy in his bid to save the planet in his retirement.
The Czech ace, 44, hung up his racquet in 2017 after a 21-year professional career.
That included a run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2006 and two doubles semi-finals in 2013 and 2014.
However, now he is splitting his time between two exciting business ventures, coaching one of the rising stars of tennis and raising two daughters with his wife and ex-world No7 Nicki Vaidisova, who he married for the second time in 2018.
Stepanek, a slightly gorky and unconventional character during his days on tour, has been rocking a fair share of designer outfits on Instagram – but played down any suggestions he is starting another career in front of the camera.
The former world No8, who previously dated Wimbledon champions Martina Hingis and Petra Kvitova either side of his first marriage with Vaidisova, said: “No, I’m not doing any modelling! I’ve got some partnership deals that I’m fulfilling but I’m definitely not modelling.
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“I’m coaching Sebastian Korda and travel with him 12-15 weeks a year. I’m coaching Sebastian because his father Petr coached me for 16 years.
“We are nicely closing the circle of life. Our families are very close.
“I have my family with two young daughters which makes me very happy – family is my No1 priority. My older daughter is supporting Seb heavily.
“Away from that I have a couple of businesses that I’m involved in. It’s plenty. I’m definitely not bored.
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“I’m involved in a few green projects. I have a project that is fire protection for solar panels so I’m following the trends.
“My last involvement is a project with virtual reality. This is what I’m busiest with now because it’s obviously coming whether we want it or not – it’s on its way.
“I had a chance to meet with some great guys in my country who are very intelligent, their fire and dedication for it is amazing and they are very smart so I like this project and I’m trying to help them.”
Stepanek lifted back-to-back Davis Cup titles for Czech Republic alongside former Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych in 2012 and 2013.
And the popular character won two doubles Grand Slams with Paes at the 2012 Australian Open and the US Open the following year.
But despite never going all the way to lift a title at the All England Club, he still holds very special memories from competing at Wimbledon – therefore gladly accepted his place in the invitational doubles with Sebastien Grosjean.
Stepanek added: “My first memory of Wimbledon goes back to juniors in 1995, I believe – a long time ago. It’s been amazing ever since.
“Every time I enter each year, I get goosebumps because this is such a special place to play tennis.
“It’s like when golfers play at Augusta – the tradition, the history, the magic of this place is talking to you on every step you take on the site.
“Being able to play the legends tournament is a huge honour for me – I can’t wait to get out and feel the goosebumps again.”