Marketa Vondrousova's Ink Collection: What's Behind All Those Tattoos?

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 5 mins read 38 Views

Okay, so I've been watching tennis for years, and nobody—and I mean NOBODY—has gotten people talking about body art quite like Marketa Vondrousova.

The 2023 Wimbledon champ basically turned her arms into a walking art gallery, and honestly? I'm here for it. Every time she serves, you catch glimpses of different pieces, and tennis Twitter goes absolutely wild trying to decode what they all mean.

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The "No Rain, No Flowers" Philosophy

Above her right elbow, she's got "No rain, no flowers" tattooed in clean script. When I first saw it during her Wimbledon run, I thought it was just another inspirational quote. But then I dug deeper.

This isn't just pretty words on skin.

Back in 2021, Marketa told reporters something that made it all click: "I think you know, without failure, there is no success, so you have to go through some hard matches. Even if you lose especially, if you keep believing in yourself and yeah, this is the reward."

God, that hits different when you realize she was talking about her own journey. The woman went from losing matches that should've been wins to holding up the Venus Rosewater Dish. Talk about flowers blooming after the storm.

Lucky 13 and Olympic Dreams

Here's where it gets personal—her lucky number is 13, which most people avoid like the plague. Not Marketa. She literally had it permanently inked on her body because she embraces what others fear.

Then came Tokyo 2020 (which happened in 2021, because 2020 was a mess). After snagging that silver medal, she added the five Olympic rings to her collection. I remember watching her matches and thinking, "This girl is collecting achievements and tattoos at the same rate."

Art Meets Athletics

What really got me was when she said, "For me this is also art. I just like it and appreciate teh people who do it. I feel like it is work and it is also art." (Yeah, she gets it—tattoo artists are underrated artists, period.)

From what I can count in photos, she's got over ten individual pieces plus larger line work decorating both arms. Some are tiny, others sprawl across her forearm like botanical illustrations. She even has a few on her legs that most people never notice.

Started Young, Never Stopped

She got her first tattoo at 16. Sixteen! Most of us were worried about driver's licenses, and she was already planning her body art collection.

The Czech star shows zero signs of slowing down either. Every tournament seems to reveal new ink, like she's documenting her career one needle prick at a time. Some pieces are deeply meaningful—tied to her struggles and victories. Others? Pure aesthetics, because sometimes you just want something beautiful on your skin.

Honestly, watching her play while sporting all that artwork feels like watching tennis evolve in real time. She's not hiding who she is or conforming to some stuffy tennis tradition. She's out there being authentically herself, tattoos and all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role have tennis icon played in popularizing sport?

Tennis icons have played an important role in popularizing tennis around the world. Throughout its long history, charismatic and talented players like Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer captured the public’s imagination. Their performances on court and personalities outside of it have not just drawn fans to this game, but also inspired younger players to take up tennis. Their legacy extends beyond their titles. They have shaped tennis culture and the marketplace.

How have women's contributions shaped tennis?

Tennis has been greatly influenced by women both on and off court, with their performances and advocacy for equal rights and recognition. Billie Jean King's effort to promote equal prizes and professional opportunities among women was the main reason for the Women's Tennis Association's formation in 1973. Icons such as Steffi Graf, Venus and Serena Williams, and Martina Navratilova dramatically raised the sport's profile with their talent and competitive spirit. Women's Tennis is also a sport that attracts equal viewers, highlighting its appeal and inclusivity.

What are the four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis?

The four Grand Slam tournaments, also known as the Majors, are the most prestigious events in professional tennis. The four Grand Slam tournaments are the Australian Open, held in January, Wimbledon, in June and August, and the US Open, in September and October. The tournaments are renowned for their level of competition, history, and significant prize money and ranking points. Grand Slams are regarded as one of tennis' greatest achievements.

What are key elements of tennis etiquette?

Tennis etiquette is an integral part of the game, reflecting both sportsmanship and respect. Players are expected make accurate decisions about line rulings, to stay focused during serves, to remain quiet during rallies, as well as to shake hands after the match. Audiences also participate in this etiquette by remaining quiet during match play and applauding good shots from both competitors. These unwritten rules help maintain the integrity of tennis as well as its gentlemanly tradition.

What are the origins of tennis?

The origins of tennis can be traced back to the 12th century France. In monastery courtyards, monks would use their hands in a sport called jeu de pâume to hit the ball. Over time rackets and other equipment were added, and the sport evolved into what is known today as Tennis. The game was popularized by the European nobility in the 16th century. Tennis has seen many changes over the years, such as the introduction of lawn-tennis in the nineteenth century and the standardization of rules.

Statistics

The four Grand Slam tournaments collectively attract over 3.5 million spectators in person, highlighting tennis's enduring appeal.
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.
Lawn tennis, which evolved into the game we know today, adapted its point system from the jeu de paume, with theories suggesting its increments represent the face of a clock.
The global tennis equipment market reached an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity.
The modern game of tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, with the first Wimbledon Championship held in 1877.

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How To

Tennis Conditioning

Developing a tennis-focused conditioning routine can dramatically improve your performance and decrease injury risk. Increase endurance by incorporating cardiovascular exercises such as running and cycling. The core, legs and upper body should be targeted in strengthening workouts, as tennis requires a strong base and upper-body control. In order to improve flexibility and coordination, include dynamic stretching and agility drills in your training. Final, be sure to get adequate rest, recovery and nutrition, as well as hydration and proper nutrition.