In an interview with RFE/RL’s Armenian Service (Azatutyun) this week, Avanesyan, currently ranked No. 49 in the world according to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), denied that her motivation to play for Armenia was influenced by the difficulties faced by players representing Russia following their country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“I’ve always followed Armenian traditions,” said the 22-year-old tennis player, whose parents are both Armenian.
Avanesyan said that she took in stride a recent incident in which her Ukrainian competitor refused to shake hands after their match despite the fact that she was already representing Armenia.
“I respect everybody. I respect her decision. I do whatever it takes from my side, and that’s all I can focus on,” she said.
Below is an excerpt from the interview with Avanesyan:
Azatutyun: How do you feel being here in Armenia?
Elina Avanesyan: It’s a really exciting time for me, first time in such a long time and finally representing Armenia. It’s a big honor to be here and to start this journey. And I’m really excited.
Azatutyun: Do you know any Armenian words?
Elina Avanesyan: I actually understand a lot of Armenian. I’m a little bit shy to talk.
Azatutyun: Can you say something?
Elina Avanesyan: Barev Dzez (Hello). I understand a lot. I usually answer in Russian. For example, when I talk to my parents. But I do understand a lot.
Azatutyun: Elina, you used to compete under the Russian flag but recently switched your citizenship and now represent Armenia on the international stage. Why did you make this decision?
Elina Avanesyan: So we are together with the Keron Foundation. They gave me an opportunity to inspire a young generation to promote sports in Armenia and to see more people playing tennis, and to improve sports in Armenia. And I’m very proud to be a part of it. And we will see. I think we can do many great things.
Azatutyun: But why now? We have seen others who represented Russia do the same due to the situation in the world. Is that a factor in your case?
Elina Avanesyan: No, actually my decision was because my parents are Armenians and my whole family are from Armenia. And I’ve always followed Armenian traditions. The atmosphere here feels calm. So it was my decision. I made the decision because of that.
Azatutyun: How do you feel playing under the Armenian flag?
Elina Avanesyan: I was really nervous to play my first match, but I’m really happy. It’s a good start of a new experience. And I really enjoyed it.
Azatutyun: Elina, you have made history as the first Armenian to break into the WTA Top 50, reaching your career best ranking. Can you share your feelings?
Elina Avanesyan: Oh my God, it’s incredible. I would never think it was going to happen… I’m going to try to do my best to do it better. Also, as I said, the young generation… I hope I can inspire them somehow and show them that anything is possible, and they can reach anything they want.
Azatutyun: Elina, when did you first realize you were really, really good at tennis?
Elina Avanesyan: I think it was last year when I made fourth round in Roland-Garros. It was unexpected [at the] tournament, but I did it really well, and I was like, uh, I can compete at this level, it’s so cool. Of course, I had some good results before, but I think this tournament last year changed a lot.
Azatutyun: What do you say to yourself before starting playing?
Elina Avanesyan: I always try to fight for every point, try to be calm and just focus on what I have to do, like on the tactics, and just fight until the end.
Azatutyun: Elina, right now your career is going well. What are your dreams in this sport?
Elina Avanesyan: I always dreamt to win a Grand Slam [tournament], hopefully one day. And, of course, everybody wants to be number one in the world. And it’s a big goal for me, and I’m going to try to do everything to reach it.