18 Love for tennis and family by Leonid Romanov World of tennis is tough and challenging, therefore demanding the same skills from its players. And it is even more challenging when one is still in their youth years, as it seems difficult to devote the precious time on one goal only. However, our hero Alona Ostapenko has made it a simple choice, as tennis appears to be not only close to her heart, but also a sport that she can perform impeccably. Read all about the young athlete s road to success in Wimbledon and future ambitions throughout the professional career of a tennis player. photo by andrejs skribans So, how is it then Alona or Jelena? In different massmedia sources they name you differently as well. Why such mix of words... or is it on purpose? In the beginning, my parents wanted to name me Alona, but in the year when I was born there was no such name in the calendar and they named me Jelena. However, I m always spoken to as Alona. Tennis is it your only passion or do you have time for something else: yoga, painting or maybe sword craft? To what do you devote the free time? I used to do ballroom dancing professionally, from the age of 5 to 12. However, I had to choose one tennis or dancing. I chose tennis as it was closer to my heart, and my achievements in tennis were much higher. Now I spend my leisure time going to the movies with friends, sometimes I go watch hockey on ice, read, and also relax and spend time with my beloved doggy Juliet.
facts& 19 figures Born: 8 June 1997 (age 17) Coach: Jelena Jakovleva Ostapenko has won six singles and seven doubles titles on the ITF tour in her career. Ostapenko won the singles event at the junior 2014 Wimbledon Championships and was ranked the number 2 junior tennis player in the world in September 2014.
20 I don t really have any idols The main role in my career play my parents
facts& figures - Wimbledon is the only major tennis tournament still played on grass - Yellow tennis balls were used at Wimbledon for the first time in 1986, before that - white balls were preferred - Spencer Gore was the first Wimbledon winner in 1877 when he said he didn t think this new game would catch on Tennis is not a teamwork, however one soldier does not make a battle. Behind every championships, there is always a team standing. Do you have one, and who are these brilliant people and what role do they play in your sports career? The main role in my career play my parents, and I am grateful that they sent me to tennis, and also do everything for me so that I would become better. Another important role plays my coach my mom and couch for the physical training, my agent Ugo Colombini, who solves many important issues, as well as my beloved dog, who brings me luck on every tournament. Triumph on Wimbledon undoubtedly brought you popularity among many other obvious benefits. But what did it bring to you, was it a significant personal achievement or just another conquered heights? To win in the Junior Grand Slam was my dream come true and I am very happy that I succeeded. It is the first step towards professional career, which gave me the confidence in my game, as well as many positive emotions. After all, Wimbledon is considered as one of the most prestige Grand Slam tournaments. I hope that in future I will be able to win the adult Grand Slam as well, to which I will be aiming towards. I ve often heard that defeat proves to be more useful than winning. That it motivates you to become better. Is it what you think as well? Defeat in sport, especially in tennis, is very useful, as winning is not a possibility all the time. Defeats let the player understand what he/she has to improve for enhancing the result, as well as motivates to winning on the following tournaments. Can you define the personal character of the player observing his/her manner of playing? After the hit, or how often does he/she serves, or is it like in poker everything is hidden behind the mask of professionalism? During the game, it is possible to judge someone s character. But not always the manner of playing confirms with the character of the player, as in championships many tennis players get nervous and act differently. Can you name any people you look up to, who inspire you? And maybe not even people. For example, when I get to especially difficult moments in my life, my inspiration is Winnie the Pooh. I have my idols in tennis. I have always liked the game of Serena Williams, as well as such legends as Rodger Federer. I would like to own so many triumphs as they do. And I will do my best so that I achieve it. What helps you to stay fit both in the means of body and soul? 21
For my beloved ones to be healthy and happy to me that is above all! 22 Trainings that is clear. Maybe a good music? Or diet? I mean, are flowers better than candy? I like to listen to music not only in my free time, but before the matches as well. As music tends to loosen me and take out the negative emotions. I also like when I receive large rose bouquets on my birthday, these flowers just give me an emotional lift. Because of the many competitions, you have to relocate a lot. Which means of transport do you prefer? Car, train, bus, plain, Santa Clause s sled, or something else? Most of all, I like to fly by plane. I do not have any fears of flying and I enjoy it a lot, as it is the fastest means of transport. How do you relax? Sunbathe, hike on mountains, swim or are you a home person who regenerates the energy at home with family? Most of the times I stay home with my family. But sometimes I do visit the beach for a little sunbathing or swimming. What makes you truly happy (from the things you ve already experienced)? For my beloved ones to be healthy and happy to me that is above all!