The former Czech tennis player Jana Novotna died on Sunday at the age of 49. In 2015 I met her when Ali had to play against her former pupil Barbora Krejcikova.
Together with Jana I followed the match. Warmly cuddled, because it was very windy and cold.
Ali lost, but Jana and me had a great click and together we drank a hot cup of tea to warm us after the game. We were talking about the weather conditions and how players have to deal with it.
Jana was a lady full of simplicity. Unfortunately, she has lost her battle, but she remains forever in my mind.
René Van Uytvanck
Photo: mirsasha (Flickr)