The struggles of rising to the top in professional tennis are well-documented. Novak Djokovic, Elina Svitolina, Damir Dzumhur and Oleksandra Oliynykova have all faced incredible odds to achieve their goals, with financial constraints being a significant hurdle.
Growing up in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1992 conflict had a profound impact on Dzumhur's life. The country was devastated, and tennis courts were scarce. His first steps on the court were in a small school gym, where he played alongside football and basketball players. It wasn't until he was 12 that he played on a proper hard court at a junior tournament in France.
Similarly, Svitolina's path to success was aided by businessman Yuriy Sapronov, who sponsored her move to Kharkiv when she was just 12 years old. The deal allowed her to receive professional coaching, and in return, Sapronov would receive a cut of her future earnings. Today, Svitolina is a top-10 player and an ambassador for several companies.
Oleksandra Oliynykova's story is one of resilience and determination. Leaving Ukraine as a child due to the conflict with Russia had a profound impact on her life. She faced numerous challenges, including a lack of electricity and water in her apartment. Her first-round appearance at the Australian Open earned her $150,000, which will help both on and off the court.
The story of Damir Dzumhur is one of perseverance. Born in Sarajevo during the conflict, his family had to flee due to the constant bombing of their home city. His mother's pregnancy was interrupted by the bombing of a hospital two days after she gave birth. The small school gym where he played tennis became his first step on the court.
The journey to success is not easy, but these players have proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
Growing up in war-torn Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1992 conflict had a profound impact on Dzumhur's life. The country was devastated, and tennis courts were scarce. His first steps on the court were in a small school gym, where he played alongside football and basketball players. It wasn't until he was 12 that he played on a proper hard court at a junior tournament in France.
Similarly, Svitolina's path to success was aided by businessman Yuriy Sapronov, who sponsored her move to Kharkiv when she was just 12 years old. The deal allowed her to receive professional coaching, and in return, Sapronov would receive a cut of her future earnings. Today, Svitolina is a top-10 player and an ambassador for several companies.
Oleksandra Oliynykova's story is one of resilience and determination. Leaving Ukraine as a child due to the conflict with Russia had a profound impact on her life. She faced numerous challenges, including a lack of electricity and water in her apartment. Her first-round appearance at the Australian Open earned her $150,000, which will help both on and off the court.
The story of Damir Dzumhur is one of perseverance. Born in Sarajevo during the conflict, his family had to flee due to the constant bombing of their home city. His mother's pregnancy was interrupted by the bombing of a hospital two days after she gave birth. The small school gym where he played tennis became his first step on the court.
The journey to success is not easy, but these players have proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.