Ukraine's Oliynykova: From War Zones to Tennis Top 100

Oleksandra Oliynykova was preparing for the Australian Open in her Kyiv apartment when a drone hit the building across the street. The explosion shook her walls, but the 25-year-old Ukrainian kept training without electricity or water, determined to reach her first Grand Slam.

That persistence paid off. Oliynykova not only competed in Melbourne, she became a top-100 player despite odds that would crush most dreams before they started.

Her journey mirrors a remarkable pattern in professional tennis. Players from war-torn countries are breaking through at the highest levels, proving that hardship can forge unshakeable resilience.

Damir Dzumhur was born in Sarajevo just two days before missiles bombed his maternity hospital in 1992. When he started playing tennis, most courts in Bosnia had been destroyed, so he learned in a school gym with basketball hoops overhead.

Novak Djokovic, now considered by many the greatest player ever with 24 Grand Slam titles, spent his childhood taking shelter during NATO bombings in Belgrade. "We had to wait in line for bread, milk, water, some basic things in life," he recalled.

These athletes didn't just face war. Tennis demands massive financial resources for equipment, coaching, and travel that can price out talented kids from modest backgrounds.

Oliynykova used to eat only sandwiches at tournaments to save money. Former top-five player Daniela Hantuchova remembers asking her parents if she could someday have a tennis racquet, knowing they'd need to wait until payday.

The $75,000 Oliynykova earned for her first-round Australian Open appearance will help her continue competing. It's also why top players are pushing Grand Slams to increase prize money for early rounds.

Why This Inspires

These players developed something money can't buy. Hantuchova calls it a resilience and discipline "not seen that often these days," forged through circumstances where tennis was a luxury, not a given.

Many received crucial support at turning points. Djokovic credits coach Jelena Gencic for nurturing his talent, while Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina got backing from a businessman who believed in her potential.

Now they're paying it forward. Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk started a foundation focusing on children affected by war, using tennis to bring hope and change lives.

From eating sandwiches to save money to inspiring the next generation, these champions prove that talent and determination can overcome even the longest odds.