Elina Avanesyan

Objectives

To represent Armenia in all international tennis tournaments, serve as an ambassador for Armenian tennis on the global stage and actively promote sports development within the country

Project Category:
Fostering Awareness of Armenia

Partners:
Ministry of Education Science, Culture and Sports of RA,
Armenian Tennis Federation

Duration:
July 2024 – Present

Young and promising tennis player Elina Avanesyan has opened a new chapter in the history of Armenian sports by becoming the first Armenian athlete to be ranked among the top 40 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) global rankings.

With the support of the Keron Development Foundation, Elina obtained Armenian citizenship, allowing her to officially represent Armenia in all international tournaments starting in August 2024. She now proudly competes under the Armenian flag and actively contributes to the development of sports in the country.

Born in Pyatigorsk, Russia, to an Armenian family originally from Artsakh, Elina maintains a deep connection with Armenia and its culture. She has visited the country multiple times, and her childhood was closely tied to Armenian traditions. Notably, Elina celebrated her first junior tournament victory in Yerevan.

As part of her partnership with the Keron Foundation, Elina has committed to visiting Armenia at least once a year to participate in various initiatives — including masterclasses and meetings with young athletes — aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation.

First Official Visit to Armenia

Elina’s first official visit to Armenia took place in September 2024. During her five-day stay in Yerevan, she took part in a number of important and memorable events.

As part of the visit, Elina held official meetings with President of RA Vahagn Khachaturyan and Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, where they discussed the future of tennis development in Armenia.

She also met with members of the press, speaking about her Armenian roots, the process of acquiring citizenship, her decision to represent Armenia, and her plans to support the growth of tennis in the country. During a special event, she welcomed children from Artsakh and gifted them voucher cards, enabling them to attend free tennis lessons for one month. The event concluded with a tennis masterclass, where Elina shared techniques and advice with young tennis enthusiasts, signed tennis balls, and left the children with unforgettable memories.

Meeting the Armenian Community in Glendale

On March 9, 2025, Homenetmen Glendale Ararat organized a special event to celebrate Elina Avanesyan’s achievements and introduce her to the Armenian community in California. Held at the Burbank Tennis Center, the event included an interview with Elina, a tennis masterclass for young athletes, and an exhibition match featuring Armenian-American players Tiffany Papazyan and Kristina Nordikian.

The celebration was attended by California State Assembly member Jessica Caloza and Burbank Mayor Nikki Perez. In the evening, a private dinner was held to strengthen ties with the community, with Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan also in attendance.

Elina Avanesyan’s accomplishments on the international stage mark a turning point for Armenian sports. Her dedication, talent, and patriotism serve as a powerful source of inspiration for young athletes, paving the way for future generations to dream bigger and reach higher.