Eduard Kudermetov, a name once synonymous with bruising hockey hits and fast-paced plays on the ice, now finds himself a spectator in a very different arena: the professional tennis circuit. His daughters, Veronika and Polina Kudermetova, have carved out impressive careers, gracing the same courts as the sport`s elite. But their ascent wasn`t a meticulously planned parental strategy; it was, as Eduard candidly reveals, a journey sparked by childlike whim and fueled by an uncompromising philosophy of dedication.
The Unexpected Serve: When Tennis Chose Them
Unlike many aspiring athletes who are gently (or not-so-gently) steered into a sport, the Kudermetova sisters essentially chose tennis themselves. “There was no grand plan to enroll them,” Eduard recounts, painting a picture of childhood exploration that included dance and art school. It was Veronika, at a tender 8.5 years old, who made the decisive declaration: “I`m going to tennis.” A simple statement that would set the course for their professional lives.
Polina, six years Veronika`s junior, naturally followed suit. Dragged along to her older sister`s training sessions and tournaments from the tender age of two and a half, the tennis court became as familiar as her own backyard. This early immersion, born out of necessity – “leaving her wasn`t an option,” Eduard notes – inadvertently laid the groundwork for her own burgeoning career.
The Unsung Hero: A Mother`s Marathon
While Eduard was forging his path in professional hockey, the silent, tireless engine behind the girls` early ambitions was their mother. Often single-handedly managing the demanding logistics of childhood sports in Moscow, she navigated countless trips to training, preparing meals on the go, and ensuring the girls were fed, often in the car between sessions. It`s a testament to her dedication that, without her relentless effort, the Kudermetova tennis story might never have begun.
A Hockey Dad`s Hard Court Education
For Eduard, transitioning from the brute force of hockey to the nuanced precision of tennis was akin to learning a new language. He wasn`t a tennis coach by trade, yet found himself deeply involved. His approach? Observation and education. He immersed himself in courses at prominent sports institutions like RGUFK and NTC Samaranche, absorbing knowledge from seasoned trainers. “It was tough, but I learned,” he admits, highlighting the universal truth that passion can bridge any knowledge gap.
However, the line between parent and coach proved to be a delicate tightrope. The relentless 24/7 proximity – at home, in hotels, on the court – eventually led to a critical decision for Polina`s development. “You want one thing, they do another… it gets tiring,” Eduard explains, a sentiment many parent-coaches can undoubtedly empathize with. The solution: a separate coach for Polina, allowing both parent and child the much-needed space to thrive independently. For Veronika, Eduard’s role was more focused on physical conditioning and logistical support, eschewing direct tennis instruction.
The “Lottery” of Professional Sports: A Sobering Reality
Professional tennis, Eduard reminds us, is far from a guaranteed path to glory. It`s an expensive “lottery” where success is elusive and financial outlays are substantial – covering a coach`s travel, accommodation, sustenance, and salary, all without any certainty of return. The psychological toll is equally heavy, especially during the pivotal 16-18 age range when young athletes might question their entire commitment. “They can just say, `I don`t want to do this anymore!`” he warns, underlining the fragility of youthful ambition when faced with immense pressure. The transition back to “normal life” after years of intense discipline can be profoundly disorienting.
The Kudermetov Creed: 1% Talent, 99% Hard Work
Perhaps Eduard`s most potent message, a refreshing dose of reality in a world often fixated on natural prodigies, is his unwavering belief in the power of relentless effort. “Talent is 1%; work is 99%,” he states unequivocally. He offers a stark, almost brutal, warning to those who rely solely on innate ability:
You, the `talented` one, will end up watching those who `grinded` on TV, filled with regret. It’s a powerful, no-nonsense credo that champions perseverance above all else, a clear blueprint for success instilled in his daughters and anyone else willing to listen.
Today, Eduard continues to be a vital part of his daughters` support system, albeit in a less hands-on coaching capacity. The grueling travel schedule, a constant companion on the professional circuit, is increasingly demanding for him. Yet, the deep familial bond and the joy of witnessing his daughters` continued pursuit of excellence remain his enduring motivation. The Kudermetova sisters` story, as told by their father, is not just about tennis; it`s a profound narrative of personal drive, parental sacrifice, and the enduring truth that true achievement is forged not in talent, but in the relentless crucible of hard work.
Rupert Hartwell 
Adrian Whitmore