When former Russian hockey star Eduard Kudermetov reflects on his daughters` ascent in professional tennis, his narrative isn`t one of meticulous planning or forceful parental guidance. Instead, it`s a tale steeped in self-determination, immense maternal dedication, and the relentless, often unglamorous, grind that defines elite sport. From the ice rink to the clay and hard courts, the Kudermetov family`s journey offers a unique perspective on nurturing champions.
The Unexpected Spark: A Daughter`s Initiative
The origin of Veronika and Polina Kudermetova’s tennis careers was less a parental directive and more a spontaneous declaration. Eduard recounts that neither he nor his wife actively pushed their daughters into the sport. Young Veronika, at the age of 8.5, simply announced her intention to play tennis. “I`m going to tennis now,” she stated, leaving little room for debate. Polina, six years Veronika`s junior, then followed the natural trajectory of a younger sibling, joining her sister in the sport.
This early period was largely managed by their mother, who, while Eduard pursued his hockey career, single-handedly navigated the logistical challenges of raising two aspiring athletes. Driving Veronika to training, often with a two-and-a-half-year-old Polina in tow, and sometimes feeding them meals in the car between sessions, underscored the significant sacrifice and commitment required long before any professional aspirations materialized.
A Father`s Learning Curve: From Ice to Racket
For Eduard, a decorated hockey player who had represented `Ak Bars`, `Metallurg Magnitogorsk`, `Spartak`, CSKA, and the Russian national team, transitioning to the world of tennis was a considerable adjustment. He candidly admits that he learned alongside his daughters, observing other coaches and attending various courses in Moscow, including those at RGUFK and the Samaranсh National Tennis Center. His involvement with Veronika primarily focused on physical preparation and providing support during tournaments, rather than direct tennis coaching.
Polina’s path, however, saw Eduard take on a more direct coaching role in her formative years. This parent-coach dynamic, while offering unparalleled proximity and understanding, also presented its own set of challenges.
The Double-Edged Sword of Family Coaching
Eduard speaks with a touch of weary wisdom about the intense nature of being both parent and coach, a scenario he describes as being “24 hours together.” This constant proximity, he notes, can often lead to friction, as parental desires may diverge from a child`s inclinations. “You want one thing, they do another,” he muses, highlighting the inherent difficulties in maintaining both a familial bond and a professional coaching relationship.
“With another coach, you get a break from each other. You go home, the child goes home, and everything is fine the next day. But here, you`re together at home, in the hotel, at practice. It can be exhausting.”
This realization ultimately led to a pragmatic decision: Polina now works with a different coach. This shift allowed for a healthier dynamic, providing both father and daughter the necessary space and independent professional guidance crucial for high-level athletic development.
The High Stakes of the Professional Path: A “Lottery”
The journey to professional tennis is not merely about talent and dedication; it is also a significant financial undertaking. Eduard describes the entire process as a “lottery,” where investment does not guarantee success. The costs associated with sending a young athlete abroad for training and tournaments — including flights, accommodation, meals, and a coach`s salary — are substantial. This financial pressure is compounded by the uncertainty of whether a child will even perform well enough to justify the outlay. The era of parents trusting coaches to travel alone with young teenagers to international competitions has also largely passed, adding another layer of cost and logistical complexity.
Navigating the Psychological Crucible of Youth
Beyond the technical and financial hurdles, Eduard highlights the profound psychological challenges faced by young athletes, particularly during the turbulent adolescent years between 16 and 18. This “breaking point” often sees promising talents question their commitment or even declare an outright disinterest in the sport, potentially nullifying years of effort and investment. The transition from a highly disciplined athletic life to ordinary existence can be deeply unsettling for those who choose to step away.
This psychological fortitude, he stresses, is far more crucial than innate ability.
The Enduring Mantra: 1% Talent, 99% Hard Work
Eduard Kudermetov`s core philosophy, a message he imparts not only to his daughters but to all young athletes he has encountered, is remarkably clear and uncompromising:
“It doesn`t depend on talent. One percent is your talent, and 99 percent is hard work. Whoever works harder will play. Period. Whoever has the desire to overcome themselves will play.”
He paints a vivid, albeit stark, picture for those who might rely solely on their natural gifts, only to fall short due to a lack of dedication. He warns that such individuals will eventually find themselves watching their harder-working, less naturally gifted peers achieve success, fame, and sponsorship on television. The regret, he emphasizes, will be a constant companion: “I could have, but laziness was first, or something else.” It is a powerful call to sustained effort, a reminder that desire and perseverance ultimately pave the path to true achievement.
The Kudermetova sisters` success on the global tennis stage is a testament not just to their individual talents, but to the unconventional, often challenging, family journey that underpins their careers. It`s a story of unexpected beginnings, parental evolution, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of relentless effort.
