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.

“I don’t really bother that much. Everybody gets compared to someone else. I think she’s a great player, but I don’t really see many similarities between us.

“People compare us and I’m fine with it - if they think so, OK. I don’t do things to emulate others because I want to do it my own way,” she said.

Sharapova’s looks have propelled her to a life of luxury since her win here last year through endorsements and photo shoots.

Vaidisova’s similar figure, looks and swishing blonde ponytail have already drawn the mighty IMG organisation to sign her up.

“I didn’t come here like the best star but people have now started realising and watching.

“It’s fun. I like fashion a lot, clothes and everything about it. It takes you away from tennis for a while, which is good,” she said.

But despite her youth, Vaidisova has one eye on the future and takes the off-court attractions with a pinch of salt. “I’m still 16, but I’m not going to play tennis for ever. I want to have a backdoor that I can do something after this. You take it as a whole; it would be naive to think you play your match and that’s it. I’m not a person who likes to stay in a corner.”