Eduard Kudermetov, a name once synonymous with the rough-and-tumble world of Russian ice hockey, found his life irrevocably rerouted not by a puck, but by a tennis ball. The former forward for `Ak Bars` and the national team now watches his daughters, Veronika and Polina Kudermetova, command center court on the global tennis stage – a trajectory he readily admits was anything but planned. Their journey into professional tennis offers a compelling narrative of unexpected passion, parental sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that sheer effort trumps innate talent.
From Casual Swings to Professional Dreams
The genesis of this sporting dynasty was, surprisingly, not a calculated parental decision, but the spontaneous initiative of an 8-and-a-half-year-old Veronika. “There was no grand plan to enroll them,” Eduard recalls. “They simply decided for themselves.” While the girls dabbled in dance and art, it was Veronika who virtually presented her parents with a fait accompli: she would play tennis. Polina, six years her junior, followed naturally, often tagging along with her mother to Veronika`s training sessions and tournaments, simply because there was nowhere else for her to be. This early, almost accidental immersion, coupled with the tireless dedication of their mother, became the bedrock of their future careers. Dinners were often served in the car, logistics a constant puzzle – a testament to the unseen sacrifices that fuel budding athletic ambitions.
A Hockey Dad`s Court-Side Conversion: The Parent-Coach Conundrum
For Eduard, transitioning from the structured aggression of team hockey to the nuanced precision of individual tennis was a steep learning curve. He didn`t initially coach Veronika in tennis specifics, focusing instead on her physical conditioning and acting as a steadfast travel companion. “It was tough,” he admits, speaking of his own learning process, “but I watched, I studied, I absorbed.” He frequented various coaching courses, particularly at prestigious sports academies in Moscow, piecing together the intricate puzzle of a sport vastly different from his own.
The role of a parent-coach, however, proved to be a double-edged sword, especially with Polina. “It`s incredibly difficult when you`re both parent and coach, 24 hours a day,” Eduard reflects, a touch of weary irony in his voice. “You want one thing, they do another… With another coach, you get a break. The child goes home, the coach goes home, and the next day, everyone`s refreshed. But when you`re together at home, in hotels, at training – it wears on you.” This unvarnished truth led to a pragmatic decision: Polina now trains with a different coach, a move that provides crucial space for both athlete and parent.
The Financial Volley and the Lottery of Success
Beneath the glamour of televised matches lies a relentless grind, fraught with financial challenges and profound uncertainties. Eduard vividly paints a picture of the escalating costs: “To travel with a coach, you`re paying for tickets, hotels, food, plus their salary. And there`s no guarantee your child will even succeed. It’s largely a lottery.” The prospect of sending a 13-year-old abroad, accompanied by an expensive entourage, underscores the sheer investment required long before any returns are evident. It`s a high-stakes gamble, where talent is merely an entry ticket, not a guarantee of victory.
The 99% Rule: A Philosophy Forged in Sweat
Perhaps the most potent insight from Eduard Kudermetov isn`t about forehands or backhands, but about the fundamental nature of achievement. “I always tell children, not just my own, but any I`ve coached: it`s not about talent. Talent is 1%. The other 99% is work.” This isn`t merely a mantra; it`s a stark, unvarnished truth he often imparts to budding athletes, delivered with the uncompromising directness of a seasoned competitor.
“You, the `promising, talented` one, will finish your sport, go home, turn on the TV. And those who seemed worse than you, but who worked tirelessly, you will watch them. Commentators will talk about them, they will have sponsors, fame. And then you will feel terrible. You`ll tell yourself: `I could have, but laziness came first.` So, think about it!”
This philosophy extends beyond the court. Eduard emphasizes the psychological burden on young athletes who dedicate their formative years to a rigid discipline. The transition to `normal` life after years of intense training can be profoundly disorienting. His message is clear: the commitment isn`t just to a sport, but to building the resilience and work ethic that will serve them long after the final match point.
A Legacy of Grit
The Kudermetova sisters` story, as recounted by their father, is more than just a tale of athletic achievement. It`s a testament to the unforeseen paths life takes, the silent strength of familial support, and the universal principle that success, in any arena, is overwhelmingly a product of relentless dedication. From hockey rinks to tennis courts, the Kudermetov legacy is being built not on initial talent, but on the enduring power of sweat, sacrifice, and the unyielding will to work.
Marcus Blakely