Inspirational Champions

Every Grand Slam offers a heartwarming reminder of the many role models that exist in tennis, but as electrifying 2018 French Open and Wimbledon events concluded, it seemed as if our game had showcased more inspirational figures than ever before.

The fighting qualities that saw Simona Halep at last become a Grand Slam champion at Roland Garros – and the relentless Rafael Nadal extend an astonishing French Open record to 11 wins in 14 years – set a stunning benchmark for generation next.

So too does the resilience that helped Angelique Kerber become a three-time major champion and Novak Djokovic reignite his career. As those popular competitors surged to the respective ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles titles at Wimbledon, their claims on greatness arguably extended beyond their trophy count.

In showcasing such achievements in our Grand Slam special, “role models” emerges as a natural theme. It’s not just that three of those four players have added to their place in tennis history with multiple major victories – and Halep, the other, almost certainly has more stellar performances ahead – but the manner in which such milestones were achieved.

Each has navigated significant career obstacles; after overcoming injury, form and mental challenges, Djokovic admitted he even questioned his future in the sport.

That the Serb returned to claim a fourth Wimbledon trophy underlined both a fierce will and tremendous behind-the-scenes support. “I want to thank all the people who were really close to me and they believe in me as well,” he beamed.

As attention turned to Djokovic’s wife Jelena, his young son Stefan and a loyal team, it was clear that tennis role models also exist beyond the court. Not every tennis hero will lift a Grand Slam trophy – but all of them combine to create a special sport.

Role Model Mums

When Serena Williams arrived at Wimbledon with her baby daughter, she took a quiet pretournament moment to take 10-month-old Olympia on the famed Centre Court.

“I got a little emotional when I was telling her a story about a girl who had a big dream. I started getting choked up,” said Serena, who shared that special moment via Instagram. “I never felt that before. Just taking all that moment and having the opportunity to share it with my daughter and my future. It was more than I expected. I didn't expect to suddenly get emotional. We'll always have that. We'll always have that memory.”

And she’ll always have a stunning example set in her 18th appearance at SW19. While Serena would have of course loved the ultimate reward of a Wimbledon trophy – which would have made her the first mother to triumph there since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 – there was no questioning the magnitude of the 36-year-old appearing in a 10th Wimbledon final so soon after Olympia’s difficult birth.

“It’s crazy I don’t even know to feel because I literally didn’t expect to do this well in my fourth tournament back in 16 months,” said an emotional Serena, who also related her early challenges of motherhood. “I had a really tough delivery and I had to have multiple surgeries. I remember I couldn’t even walk to my mailbox so it’s definitely not normal to be in a Wimbledon final. I’m taking it as it is and just enjoying every moment.”

Serena wasn’t the only mother setting a stunning benchmark at The Championships. Victoria Azarenka, contesting only her third Grand Slam since becoming a mother to Leo in December 2016, reached the second round in singles and progressed to the mixed doubles final with Jamie Murray. Evgeniya Rodina, a mother to five-year-old daughter Anna, qualified for Wimbledon and upset Madison Keys in a run to the fourth round.

There was also a Wimbledon connection as Mandy Minella added a new milestone as a mother. In 2017, the Luxembourgian famously competed at the All England Club while four months pregnant: immediately after Wimbledon this year, she reached a first WTA-level final in Gstaad.

Successful mothers are becoming a WTA theme: Kateryna Bondarenko triumphed in Tashkent last year and Tatjana Maria won her first career title, Mallorca, in June.

Role models to their children, those dedicated women are also setting a strong example to working mothers worldwide.

Vivienne Christie

editor@tennismag.com.au