Germany’s Heide Orth recently extended her record as the most successful female player in seniors tennis history with an incredible 42nd major (European or World Championship) title in Sofia. We caught up with her to ask her to reflect on her achievements…
You have been a tennis champion since your days as a junior. What is it about tennis that has kept you playing all your life?
Well, tennis is a fascinating sport that offers so many challenges: technically from the kick-serve to the sliced backhand, as well as physically and not least mentally. Personally, I like to compete and, of course, to win.
You have played all over the world in all types of events. What has been your favourite place to play?
This not easy to answer because over the years there have been so many changes regarding the attractiveness of the different tournaments. But I can say that in my younger years I did like to play the German Internationals at Hamburg. Nowadays I enjoy the friendly atmosphere, the wonderful environment and the good management of Klosters in Switzerland. Most recently I was very impressed by the excellent organization of the European Senior Championships in Sofia where I played for the first but surely not the last time.
We were very happy to have you at the European Senior Championships. How important is this tournament to you?
As I mentioned, this year I participated for the first time at the European Senior Championships. It has been a very positive experience for me and it was fun to win another European Championship.
What has been the most satisfying tournament win of your life?
Maybe I should say it has been the World Championships 2012 in Umag, where I won all my singles in the Individuals as well as in the Cup without losing a set.
How ‘professional’ is life on the senior circuit? Do you train hard for the events you play at?
In terms of professionalism, you cannot compare life on the senior circuit with the circuit of the real pros. My personal training is what may be the standard for seniors: on-court practicing and doing some physical exercises to stay fit.
You were recently given an Outstanding Achievement Award by the ITF to add to your Lifetime Seniors Champion Award from Tennis Europe. What do these recognitions mean to you?
Both awards have been and still are a great honour to me. Of course, it was an unforgettable experience to be invited to the ITF Champions Dinner in Paris this year and to be awarded by Mr. Ricci Bitti, the ITF President, in front of about 400 former and actual champions as well as important officials from all over the world for being the most successful female senior player in the 100 years´ history of ITF.
What are your tennis goals for the future?
The most important thing for me is to remain physically in good shape and to have fun on the court enjoying many good matches.
Is tennis a big part of your family life? Do/did you encourage your children and (if you have any) grandchildren to play?
No, actually my family life has not much to do with tennis. My son is playing some tennis but not at a tournament level and my grandchildren are still too young to play tennis seriously.
If you could play against anyone from the history of the sport, who would you most like to play?
This a bit theoretical. However in my younger years Little Mo (Maureen Connolly) was my idol. As she was several years older than I unfortunately there has been never an opportunity to play against her.