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wants to beat the older one, who never wants to lose. "They compete against each other on court only and when they walk off court it is a different story. They motivate each other and are both really supportive of each other." The united front Hynek mentions was underlined during the three doubles matches they joined forces to win in Prostejov and the rather touching embrace which greeted victory in the pivotal showdown of their semi-final clash against Canada's Kayla Cross and Victoria Mboko. But whether playing in singles or as a pairing, the list of people backing the Fruhvirtova sisters to make an impact in the professional game is growing rapidly. "I have known the sisters since a very early age and they are two totally different players with different styles," said Josefus. "Linda is very good from the baseline and hits the ball hard. She is like a Pit Bull from the baseline. Brenda is a different player, very good from the baseline also, but doesn't have the Pit Bull-style of Linda. "Two years ago, I watched some of Cori Gauff's matches at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals. I expected Cori would become a very good player and I predict a similar outcome for Linda, who has an optimal body for tennis. "It is the goal of both sisters to play professional tennis and I believe they will. If they stay healthy then, for sure, I believe they will play professionally." Maureen Diaz was Josefus's opposite number as her American girls finished ITF World Junior Tennis runners- up following a Fruhvirtova masterclass in what proved a one-sided final. "I saw Linda here in 2017 when she was only 12 but you could see the potential in her," said Diaz. "I have seen Brenda a few times too and they both have great tennis IQ, move well and have good experience through playing a lot of tournaments. "They seem to know the game well and have a good support network: they have a great chance of making it professionally. A lot of the kids here have a great chance of becoming professional, it's just how much they can extend that potential. It's up to Linda and Brenda how big they can become." Away from the court, Linda claims that her and Brenda are "always singing", while Josefus revealed the whole Czech team, which included Nikola Bartunkova, performed a rendition of Meghan Trainor's Dear Future Husband in celebration following their semi-final triumph. Josefus, meanwhile, promised to sing Queen's We are the Champions at the Prostejov farewell party, a tune which the Fruhvirtova sisters might have to get used to being serenaded with in the coming years. Incidentally, independently of Linda, Brenda also declared that her tennis dream was to be "world No. 1 and to win Grand Slams". Perhaps those intense on-court battles the girls shared growing up might be used to settle some lofty debates and matches in the coming years. ■ In the final, Linda defeated Clervie Ngounoue, who also made a big impression in Prostejov ITFWorld // AUTUMN 2019 2 5 Cori Gauff contested the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals in 2017

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