07.05.2014 13:26:53 | Jiri Novak's career is closely linked to Unicredit Czech Open. Last time he played in Prostejov was in 2007. Since 1994, he's participated in all tournaments, although once (in 2000) only in exhibition, when French player Golmard sprained a muscle during the morning workout and could not take part in the last duel. Jiri Novak fought his way into the finals in 1995 for the first time, in 2001 for the second time and for the third time the very next year! "He deserves great appreciation, he had three finals chances to lift the cup on the home central court; we sincerely wished him the best of luck, but it always turned its back on him.
He was world No. 5, the backbone of the Davis Cup team for eleven years, writing the great history of Prostejov Challenger for fourteen years. Honestly, many thanks and an applause," says Petra Cernoskova, the tournament director and Prostejov club colleague, about him.
Novak's first final was in 1995! The winner was Italian player Andrea Gaudenzi, who defeated the later world No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten, a triple Roland Garros champion, in the semifinals! In 1995, Jiri Novak made it into the finals for the second time, but it only meant the second title for Bohdan Ulihrach; although Novak had had a super successful tournament in Munich, where he defeated Dupuis (French) in the final match after only a few weeks of training with his coach Jan Kukal. Next year, Jiri Novak played the final match for the third time! The cup within his reach, he lost to Coria from Argentina. Novak's never previously been a bigger favorite; he made it into the world's top twenty and the Grand Slam semifinals at Australian Open, he held a position of a strong Davis Cup team leader. It was the same year when Jiri Novak dedicated all the prize money to the Prostejov hospital. "I know how much did Jrika want to win, but let's not forget that Coria's a top twenty player," stated Kukal after the finale.
And Jiri Novak's words from the last year? "The Prostejov tournament's always been something special to me, played virtually beyond the fence, on home tennis courts I know perfectly. I'm not upset about not winning the tournament, although I've played three final matches so far, what's bothering me is that I didn't make those who supported me and truly wished me the domestic title happy."
Jiri Novak's Finals:
1995 Gaudenzi (Italy) - Novak 6:4 , 6:3
2001 Ulihrach - Novak 6:4 , 6:7 (5) , 6:3
2002 Coria (Argentina) - Novak 6:3, 6:3
