In the fiercely competitive world of professional sports, narratives often focus on the triumphs, the glamorous victories, and the dazzling talent. Yet, behind every high-flying athlete lies a story of relentless dedication, unimaginable sacrifice, and a journey paved with far more grit than glitter. Few understand this better than Eduard Kudermetov, a former ice hockey star who once graced the rinks for teams like Ak Bars and CSKA. Today, his focus has shifted from pucks to racquets, as he navigates the complex path of supporting his daughters, Veronika Kudermetova and Polina Kudermetova, in their ascent through the ranks of professional tennis.
The Unscripted Beginning: When Ambition Finds Its Own Way
Unlike many stories where parents meticulously plan their children`s athletic careers, the Kudermetova sisters` foray into tennis was surprisingly organic. Eduard recounts a time when his daughters were exploring various creative outlets, from dance to art school. It was Veronika, at the tender age of 8.5, who made the decisive, unilateral declaration: “Now I`m going to tennis.” No grand parental push, just a child`s pure, unadulterated curiosity.
Polina, six years Veronika`s junior, naturally followed in her elder sister`s footsteps. This initial spark, however, required immense logistical support, often shouldered by their mother. “My wife was practically alone with them all the time,” Eduard reflects, recalling his own demanding hockey career. “She would drive Veronika to practice, with the younger one tagging along. It wasn`t easy. Children often ate in the car—a common scene for aspiring athletes on the move, a testament to a mother`s silent dedication that underpins so much success in youth sports.”
A Crossover Challenge: From Ice Rink to Tennis Court
For Eduard, transitioning from the brute force and strategic plays of ice hockey to the nuanced world of tennis was a considerable mental shift. “It was challenging, of course,” he admits. “But I learned by observing others, attending numerous courses in Moscow, places like RGUFK and the Samaranche Tennis Center, where esteemed coaches shared their insights.” His role, particularly with Veronika, was never primarily about tennis technique. Instead, he focused on her physical conditioning and served as a crucial travel companion, a role that often goes unnoticed but is vital for young athletes on the tour.
The dynamic of a parent doubling as a coach, however, brought its own unique set of challenges. “Being a parent, a child, a coach, and a player all at once, 24/7, is exhausting,” Eduard candidly explains. “You want one thing, they do another… With an external coach, you get a break from each other. You go home, the child goes home, and the next day, everything is fresh. But when you’re together at home, at the hotel, at practice—it becomes too much.” This realization led to a pragmatic decision: Polina now trains with a different coach, highlighting the necessary boundaries and professional detachment required for optimal athlete development.
The Price of Ambition: A Risky Bet
The journey to professional tennis is not merely a test of skill and endurance; it`s also a significant financial commitment. Eduard paints a stark picture of the costs involved. “Some parents pay a hefty sum to travel with clubs internationally. But a coach always travels with the child, overseeing, guiding,” he says. “Consider today: who would send a 13-year-old boy abroad alone? So, the coach goes too, and you pay for their flights, hotels, meals, plus their salary. And even then, there’s no guarantee your child will play well. It’s largely a lottery – will it work out or not?” This frank assessment cuts through any romanticized notions of professional sports, revealing the raw economic realities.
The Mental Match Point: Navigating Adolescence and Identity
Perhaps the most poignant part of Eduard’s reflection concerns the psychological gauntlet young athletes face, particularly during their formative teenage years. “Girls, during the crucial age of 16-18, might suddenly declare: `That’s it! I don`t want to play tennis anymore, never did. This is what *you* want.`” Such moments, he notes, can lead to careers ending abruptly, leaving a void. A life meticulously structured by discipline, training, and competition suddenly gives way to an undefined future, a transition that is “very difficult psychologically.”
The 99% Rule: A Philosophy Forged in Sweat
Throughout his years of coaching and parenting, Eduard has distilled his wisdom into a core philosophy, one he frequently shares not just with his daughters but with all young athletes: “Listen, you’re playing now, but what does it all depend on? Not talent. Talent is 1%. Work is 99%. Whoever works harder will play better. Period. The one with the desire to overcome themselves will always succeed.”
He delivers a stern, almost prophetic warning to those who might be tempted to rely solely on natural ability: “Then you, the `promising, talented` one, will quit sports, go nowhere, come home, and turn on the TV. And those who seemed less talented, but who toiled tirelessly, you will watch them on TV. Commentators will talk about them, they will have sponsors, fame, everything you could wish for. And then you will feel terrible. You will forever tell yourself, `I could have, but laziness came first, or something else.` So, think about it!”
This powerful message underscores the brutal truth that professional sports, and indeed success in any demanding field, is less about innate gifts and more about the relentless pursuit of excellence through sheer effort. The journey of Veronika and Polina Kudermetova, as told through their father’s honest lens, is a compelling testament to this philosophy: that the trophies are merely reflections of the unseen battles fought, the sacrifices made, and the sweat equity invested long before the spotlight ever shines.
