A striking 2018 photoshoot for Elle magazine sparked both admiration and concern for Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitová. While lauded for her willingness to embrace a vulnerable and artistic vision, the images coincided with a period of significant weight loss for the tennis star. The story details how Kvitová’s conditioning coach, David Vydra, navigated the delicate balance between supporting her athletic performance and safeguarding her health during this time.
Fellow models were reportedly envious. But conditioning coach David Vydra was deeply concerned. He closely monitored Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitová.
Former professional tennis player Petra Kvitová has graced countless magazine covers, though she doesn’t identify as a model. Perhaps her most daring photoshoot took place in 2018 for Elle magazine, with photographer Radka Leitmeritz. The shoot, staged at Prague’s oldest tennis club on Letná Plain, evoked the style of the 1980s, featuring a white headband, simple white sneakers, and a vintage metal racket.
Not a Diva
The striking images featured Kvitová in a minimalist white outfit – a look she certainly wouldn’t wear during a match. The intention was to showcase her athletic physique and long legs, requiring a certain level of vulnerability for the photoshoot. Kvitová demonstrated a willingness to endure for the sake of a compelling image, proving she wasn’t afraid to step outside her comfort zone. On a hot summer day, she literally rolled around in the red clay of the court.
That’s Kvitova in the picture btw, from a photoshoot with Elle Czech back in 2018
Photographed by Radka Leitmeritz https://t.co/N5FOl9fFRW pic.twitter.com/uuXfOvkbDQ
— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) April 20, 2024
The photos were a success, making Kvitová almost indistinguishable from professional models. This coincided with a period of significant weight loss, sparking speculation about a potential eating disorder. Her conditioning coach, David Vydra, was among those commenting on her appearance, receiving numerous remarks about how good she looked. However, the rapid weight loss raised concerns about her health, and Vydra admitted to feeling worried.
Kvitová’s Weight Loss
Kvitová underwent a series of medical evaluations, all of which indicated she was in good health. Nevertheless, her team closely monitored her condition. Such a substantial weight loss, combined with the demands of professional tennis, required careful oversight. At 182 cm tall, Kvitová dropped below 70 kilograms, the lowest weight she had ever been as a tennis player. This weight loss also boosted her confidence, prompting Vydra to worry about further decline. He detailed the process in an interview with iSport.cz.
Vydra meticulously monitored her well-being and adjusted her training regimen accordingly. If Kvitová wasn’t feeling 100%, she would skip training sessions. The renowned conditioning coach was firm in his approach. During this time, Kvitová also appeared to be less prone to injury. Vydra speculated that a six-month break following an attack, during which she recovered from hand lacerations, may have contributed to her improved condition. He noted that she hadn’t experienced the usual competitive stress during that period, which could have had a positive impact.
Today, Kvitová enjoys a life outside of professional tennis. She and her coach, Jiří Vaňek, are raising their son, Petr, who was born in 2024. Kvitová is currently expecting her second child. Maintaining a healthy weight and body image is crucial for overall well-being, and this story highlights the importance of monitoring athletes’ health alongside their performance.
