Andrea Sestini Hlaváčková
A Czech doubles specialist whose fierce volleys and tactical brilliance made her one of the most formidable net players of her era.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Czech tennis player·Birthday: August 10·Millennials
Biography
Andrea Sestini Hlaváčková carved out an exceptional career defined not by solo glory, but by partnership. While a competent singles player, it was in doubles where her timing, reflexes, and competitive fire truly shone. She formed a potent alliance with countrywoman Lucie Hradecká, a pairing that became a staple at the sharp end of major tournaments. Together, they perfected a style of aggressive, first-strike tennis that overwhelmed opponents, capturing two Grand Slam women's doubles titles at the French Open. Hlaváčková's skills translated seamlessly to mixed doubles as well, where she completed a career Grand Slam, winning all four majors with different partners—a testament to her adaptability and net prowess. Her on-court demeanor, often punctuated by triumphant shouts and fist pumps, reflected a deep passion for the team aspect of the sport. In retirement, she moved into coaching, passing on the precise art of doubles play to a new generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrea was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrea Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Andrea's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Grand Slam women's doubles titles at the French Open (2011, 2013) with partner Lucie Hradecká.
- Achieved a career Grand Slam in mixed doubles, winning Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open with four different partners.
- Reached the world No. 1 ranking in women's doubles in 2012 and held the position for five weeks.
- Won a silver medal in women's doubles at the 2012 London Olympics with Lucie Hradecká.
Did You Know?
She is a certified pilot and enjoys flying small aircraft.
Hlaváčková studied law at Masaryk University while competing on the professional tennis tour.
She and Lucie Hradecká were known as the 'Czech Steam Engine' on tour due to their powerful games.
“My best tennis was played with a trusted partner at my side.”
