At the Net With Alona Bondarenko
Eight years ago, Alona Bondarenko paired up with her sister, Kateryna, and won the 2008 Australian Open Women’s Doubles Championship, defeating the team of Victoria Azarenka & Shahar Peer in the finals. The sisters from the Ukraine battled back from a set down to beat the Belarusian/Israeli duo to become the first players from Ukraine to ever win a Grand Slam title.
Alona now coaches at MatchPoint NYC in Brooklyn, and sat down with New York Tennis Magazine to talk about their title run and her plans to return to the tour.
You became the second pair of sisters to win a Grand Slam title together (after the Williams Sisters). What was it like winning a Grand Slam championship alongside your sister?
It was a unique experience being in this position with my sister. We shared our success and all the hard work that came along with it. We trained together, we shared goals and shared a victory.
Growing up together in Ukraine, did you ever dream that you would one day win a Grand Slam title with your sister?
We fell in love with tennis at a young age and never dreamed of getting this far. When we turned 14, our dreams of professional tennis become more of a reality and we knew that it was possible.
What made you two such a good duo together on the court?
We always traveled, lived and trained together. We have an excellent rapport on and off the court. We have a mutual understanding.
What are some of the challenges of playing in the Australian Open weather?
We came three weeks early before the Australian Open to adapt to the Australian summer.
Heading into the 2008 tournament unseeded, how confident were you that you could make a run for the title?
We both worked hard to improve our doubles game. We played our best in every match and kept our minds focused on each victory as we progressed. The final win was almost a surprise because of how focused we were on our daily goals.
Besides obviously winning the Australian Open Championship, what do you remember most about that tournament?
The atmosphere is always very pleasant and fans were amazing!
What was your typical workout routine in preparation for the Australian Open?
As your practice starts, physical training must be consistent, and everyone has their own regimen to work toward. For me, in preparation for the Australian Open, these were the exercises that were implemented: Running, cross-training, bike training, stretching and working out with rubber bands, as well as exercises on improving my balance.
How much does it mean to you to be the only Ukrainians ever to win a Grand Slam title?
That puts me in a unique category that I appreciate and will never take for granted.
What brought you to New York to work with MatchPoint NYC?
I had a great relationship with Nino Muhatasov, MatchPoint NYC co-founder, and he played a huge role in me coming to New York. MatchPoint NYC is truly a state-of-the-art tennis facility for a professional tennis player.
What are some of your favorite places to go and activities to do in New York?
Now that I have a son, I look for family-friendly places to take him, including Central Park and the boardwalk in Brooklyn.
What is the next step in your playing career? Are you pursuing a comeback?
I am currently working on a comeback, so stay tuned and I will make the announcement if all works out.
What goals should a player set for themselves during the offseason?
To improve all the elements that need fine-tuning. It’s important to fine-tune even the strong elements of your game and add new elements that would help you have a better season.
What is a typical day like during the off season for you?
Nino and I have developed a routine that was a mix of exercise twice daily, including swimming two times per week for the first three weeks. Starting with week four, tennis training time increased and fitness exercises decreased. Rest is important, as you must let your body cool off.
What does your typical diet consist of?
It’s important to understand that each player should have a unique nutritional plan, specifically tailored to their body and physical needs. My typical day started with a bowl of oatmeal, and lunch always consisted of protein and vegetables … staying hydrated was key. When the season ends, the first thing to do is to get rest before the new season begins.
Nino Muhatasov (left), co-founder and director at MatchPoint NYC, was instrumental in bringing Alona Bondarenko (right) on to the MatchPoint NYC staff
