NOTE: The transcript and article were created from the first 12 minutes of the King Of The Court Podcast Episode 75
----------------------------- Transcript
Host: Welcome everyone to this interview with Lucy Kovalova, the Eastern European pickleball sensation. Lucy, did I get the pronunciation right?
Lucy: Yes, you nailed it! It's Lucy Kovalova.
Host: Great! And how would you pronounce it in Slovakian?
Lucy: In Slovakian, you can call me "Lova."
Host: Perfect! So, Lucy, tell us a bit about your journey into pickleball. How did you get started?
Lucy: Well, I grew up in Slovakia and began playing tennis when I was seven. I also did ballroom dancing competitively at the same time. Eventually, I chose tennis but faced some setbacks due to injuries. A friend studying and playing tennis in the US convinced me to join her in Wichita. That's how I ended up in the States. Later, friends introduced me to pickleball in 2015, and that's where my pickleball journey began.
Host: That's quite a journey! So, you started with a makeshift version of the game before transitioning to pickleball tournaments. How did that go?
Lucy: Yes, my friends Jack and Matt started playing a makeshift version of pickleball, like paddle tennis, with a dead tennis ball. Then they discovered proper pickleball rules and videos. We participated in the US Open, not knowing much about the game. We played fast and aggressive because we didn't understand dinking. I even played against Kyle Yates, whom we nicknamed "the poster boy" since he was on the US Open poster. We had no idea what we were doing, but we ended up winning some events.
Host: That's an incredible start! You've mentioned that you have a remarkable memory for matches. Can you recall any memorable ones?
Lucy: Absolutely, a few stand out. First, winning the Triple Crown at Nationals in 2019 with Matt Wright was incredible. Second, the time I played against Simoni in the US Open finals. Lastly, my first major tournament victory with Matt, which was a significant achievement for us.
Host: Impressive! What's your favorite match memory?
Lucy: It's hard to choose, but I'd say one of my top memories is when I defeated Simone Jardim in the finals during the Triple Crown win.
Host: That sounds like an incredible achievement. Lastly, have you ever tried padel, and what are your thoughts on it compared to pickleball?
Lucy: I haven't played padel yet, but I've heard it's a fast-paced and physically demanding sport, quite different from pickleball. While both are enjoyable, padel seems more intense and faster, which might attract players looking for a different experience.
Host: Thank you, Lucy, for sharing your pickleball journey and insights with us. It's been a pleasure having you here.
Lucy: Thank you for having me. It's been great to talk about my journey and experiences in the world of pickleball.
Host: Absolutely, Lucy. Your journey is truly inspiring, and it's been fascinating to hear about your experiences. Now, as you continue your pickleball career, what are your goals and aspirations moving forward?
Lucy: Well, I'm always looking to improve my game and continue competing at a high level. I want to be a strong representative of pickleball and contribute to its growth. Also, I'd love to inspire more people, especially in Slovakia and Europe, to take up the sport. It would be amazing to see pickleball become more popular globally.
Host: That's a fantastic outlook. With your determination and skill, you're sure to make a positive impact on the sport. Now, switching gears a bit, could you tell us more about your life off the court? Any hobbies or interests you'd like to share?
Lucy: Of course! Off the court, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially my nieces in Slovakia. I love traveling and exploring new places, experiencing different cultures. And I'm quite the food enthusiast, always eager to try new dishes and cuisines. I also like staying active through various fitness activities, not just pickleball.
Host: It sounds like you have a well-rounded life outside of pickleball. Now, given your journey, what advice do you have for aspiring pickleball players or anyone pursuing their passions?
Lucy: My advice would be to stay dedicated and enjoy the process. It's important to work hard and continuously strive to improve your skills. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. And above all, have fun and cherish the connections and experiences you make along the way.
Host: Those are wise words, Lucy. Your journey exemplifies the rewards that come from hard work and embracing new opportunities. Thank you again for sharing your story with us. We're excited to see where your pickleball journey takes you in the future.
Lucy: Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure to share my journey, and I'm excited to see how pickleball continues to evolve and grow.
Host: We're all looking forward to it. Best of luck, Lucy, and thank you for joining us today!
Lucy: Thank you, and have a great day!
-------------------------------- Article
The Rise of a Pickleball Sensation: Lucy Kovalova's Extraordinary Journey
In the fast-paced world of sports, where stories of triumph and perseverance often take center stage, one name is making waves in an unexpected yet rapidly growing field: pickleball. Lucy Kovalova, the Eastern European dynamo, has emerged as a true sensation in the world of this burgeoning sport, captivating audiences with her exceptional skills and remarkable journey.
Hailing from Slovakia, Lucy's path to pickleball prowess is a testament to her unwavering determination and love for competition. She began her journey on the tennis court at the tender age of seven, concurrently honing her skills in ballroom dancing. However, it was the lure of tennis that initially held her heart, guiding her through numerous ups and downs on the international circuit.
After facing challenges and injuries that hindered her tennis aspirations, Lucy found herself at a crossroads. It was a chance encounter with friends in the United States that introduced her to pickleball, a sport relatively new but rapidly gaining popularity. Little did she know that this introduction would mark the turning point in her athletic journey.
Lucy's transition from tennis to pickleball was seamless, fueled by her innate athleticism and competitive spirit. A self-described latecomer to the sport, she quickly adapted her skills and strategies, showcasing a unique blend of power, precision, and agility on the pickleball court. With every swing of the paddle, Lucy's dynamic style and infectious enthusiasm captivated audiences and fellow players alike.
Her entry into the pickleball arena was nothing short of spectacular. Lucy's initial foray into tournaments showcased her and her friends' unconventional yet effective approach, with an emphasis on aggressive play and a penchant for driving the ball. Despite their unfamiliarity with some of the sport's finer nuances, their undeniable talent carried them to victory, leaving seasoned competitors in awe.
One of the highlights of Lucy's pickleball journey was her historic Triple Crown victory at Nationals in 2019, where she triumphed alongside her partner, Matt Wright. This landmark achievement cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with, and her partnership with Matt has continued to dominate the pickleball scene ever since.
Off the court, Lucy's humility and dedication shine through. She is passionate about inspiring others, especially in her home country of Slovakia, to take up pickleball and experience the joy of the sport. Her dedication to raising awareness of pickleball's potential on a global scale is a testament to her commitment to its growth and popularity.
As she continues to make her mark in the world of pickleball, Lucy Kovalova's story serves as a reminder that passion and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her journey from Slovakia to the pinnacle of pickleball is a testament to the power of following one's heart and embracing new opportunities. In a world where sports heroes often emerge from unexpected corners, Lucy Kovalova stands tall, an Eastern European dynamo defying convention and redefining the meaning of athletic success.
King Of The Court Time Code List
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Lucy’s Pickleball Journey & Background
12:00 - What Really are Matt & Lucy?
18:45 - Lucy Recounts a Spicy Match vs JillyB & Tyler
21:45 - Lucy Talks Taking a Break From MLP
35:20 - Lucy’s Signature Finger Wag
37:45 - Lucy Talks Upcoming Partnerships
41:15 - Lucy & Tyler Talk Pro Pickleball History
44:19 - Consumer vs Pro Level Paddles
48:15 - Lucy Talks Upcoming Tournaments
57:20 - Lucy Talks Matt & Riley Break-Up
01:04:23 - MLP & PPA Schedule Discussion
AI APP Time Code List
01:10 🎾 Lucy Kovalova's journey from Slovakia to pickleball.
02:18 🏆 Lucy's unexpected entry into pickleball and her initial experiences in tournaments.
05:23 🎮 Lucy's memorable match against Kyle Yates during her first US Open.
07:53 🏆 Lucy recalls her top three favorite matches, including the Triple Crown win by Tyson McGuffin.
10:12 🌍 The absence of pickleball in Slovakia and potential challenges due to the prevalence of clay courts.
11:39 🎾 Lucy's thoughts on the differences between padel and pickleball, considering the transition from tennis.
15:13 🏸 Playing pickleball with boyfriend Matt Wright and managing on-court disagreements.
19:26 🎾 Recounting a controversial line call incident in a match with Tyler Loong and Jilly Bruckner.
22:14 🏆 Lucy's decision to opt out of the second half of MLP due to prior commitments and busy schedules.
24:44 🏐 Lucy's views on potential changes to MLP format, including rally scoring and roster adjustments.
25:57 🏓 Lucy questions why AJ went late in the MLP draft and mentions some confusing picks.
27:27 📊 Lucy discusses Rachel Aurora Bacher's pick and suggests she might be banking on her upside.
27:56 🙏 Lucy humorously mentions Vivian Glassman should send a thank you card to her for allowing her to be a last female pick.
29:48 🏆 Lucy discusses strong teams in the MLP draft, mentioning Jesse's team and Annalize's team as favorites.
30:24 🤝 Lucy evaluates different teams in the draft, discussing Dylan's team, J Dubs' team, and the Tyson-Tyler-Mary team.
33:23 ⚖️ Lucy discusses the balance of skill in this year's MLP draft and compares it to the previous season.
36:04 👋 Lucy explains the origin of her signature catchphrase "Not today" and the associated finger wag.
38:19 🤔 Lucy addresses her plans for playing in MLP next year and the potential continuation of her partnership with Cali.
39:03 🥇 Lucy gives her opinion on the best women's pickleball player of all time, leaning towards Simone as the greatest.
42:07 🏸 Tyler and Lucy reflect on the evolution of their game, including the adoption of the two-handed backhand.
44:57 🏓 Lucy confirms that professionals often use the same paddles available for the general public, with some minor weight modifications.
46:55 🏓 Lucy talks about her paddle preferences, mentioning her switch to the Mayhem and her consideration of the Carbon 12.
48:48 🏆 Lucy discusses her upcoming pickleball tournaments with different partners and locations.
49:56 🇸🇰 Lucy compares Brigham City to Wichita and discusses how the former feels familiar and comfortable to her.
50:50 😄 Lucy enjoys attending pickleball tournaments as a spectator and had fun watching matches at the APP US Open.
51:24 🍔 Lucy mentions a local diner in Brigham City that she frequents for affordable breakfast meals.
52:26 🏆 Lucy reminisces about playing in the Toc tournament and seeing various banners of players who have competed in the event.
53:22 🎾 Lucy and her mixed doubles partner Matt Wright discuss the dynamics of playing with different partners and adapting to different styles.
54:40 🏆 Lucy explains her preference for Matt to perform well, even if it means playing against her in mixed doubles matches.
56:04 🎾 Lucy talks about adjusting her game strategy when facing opponents with certain playing styles, like using the Ernie shot.
58:05 🎾 Lucy mentions the partnership changes among players and talks about the potential success of different pairings.
59:07 🎾 Lucy discusses the challenges of practicing with specific partners due to the availability of high-level players in her area.
01:00:08 🤔 Lucy playfully engages in a conversation about unsolicited advice and the possibility of trying different strategies in matches.
01:01:25 🔌 Lucy offers advice about keeping one's phone charged and playfully mentions the importance of hand placement on paddles.
01:03:18 🎾 Lucy recalls watching a memorable performance by Vivian David and discusses the competitive dynamics among top-level players.
01:04:17 🎾 Lucy highlights the competitive balance among teams in the pickleball community, making it challenging to predict strong favorites.
01:05:00 🎾 Lucy discusses the number of tournaments she believes players should commit to and considers the possibility of partnerships with different organizations.
01:05:39 🎾 Lucy mentions the flexibility for players to miss a certain number of tournaments and the factors that affect their decisions.
No comments:
Post a Comment