New sensation Vaidisova downplays her sexy image

NICOLE VAIDISOVA has already been dubbed the new Maria Sharapova - and not just because of her dazzling blonde looks.

The 16-year-old Czech, two years younger than Wimbledon champion Sharapova, has had a similarly sharp rise up the rankings and possesses the same iron will to win.

Vaidisova is on the crest of a new wave of tennis teenagers out to wash away old guard figures like the Williams sisters, Lindsay Davenport and Amelie Mauresmo. With the Vancouver and Tashkent titles in the locker, the Czech is seeded 27 on her senior Wimbledon debut. And she isn’t sick of being mentioned in the same breath as the Russian - yet.