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.

Roland-Garros 2025:

Meet and greet with Elina Avanesyan

In May 2024, the Keron Development Foundation, in partnership with FlyOne Armenia airlines and Levon Travel agency, announced a contest, as a result of which the winner, Teny Avagyan, won a trip for two to Paris, attended one of the matches of Roland Garros 2025 – one of the most iconic events in tennis – and had a personal meeting with Armenian tennis star Elina Avanesyan, who is ranked in the WTA Top 50.

2025 visit to Armenia

On September 6, a special meeting and masterclass for young athletes and children took place at the Tsaghkadzor Sports Complex, organized by the Keron Development Foundation and the Tennis Federation of Armenia.

Around 200 children and tennis fans from Yerevan, Vanadzor, and Gyumri took part in the masterclass. They warmly welcomed Elina and enthusiastically played tennis with her on the court.

During the meeting, the children also participated in a fun competition with prizes, asked Elina numerous questions, and received valuable advice and insights from her. The event concluded with children taking photos, getting autographs from Elina, and receiving small tennis-themed gifts.The main sponsor of Elina Avanesyan’s 2025 visit is Adidas, the official representative of the brand in Armenia.

Special Collaboration with Gotcha: Elina Avanesyan’s Signature Drink – “Hit It”

During her 2025 visit to Armenia, tennis star Elina Avanesyan partnered with Gotcha in a special collaboration initiated with the support of the Keron Development Foundation. Together, they unveiled Elina’s signature drink – “Hit It”, a refreshing blend packed with protein and essential nutrients.

Created to reflect Elina’s strength, energy, and dynamic spirit, Hit It embodies the balance between performance and lifestyle. This collaboration not only celebrates Elina’s connection with Armenia but also promotes healthy, active living among the younger generation.

Presentation of Ti Amo Jewelry’s Special Collection Inspired by Elina Avanesyan

In collaboration with the Keron Development Foundation, Ti Amo Jewelry proudly unveiled its limited-edition collection “PASSION,” inspired by rising tennis star Elina Avanesyan.

The exclusive event took place in an elegant setting – on the tennis court of The Dvin, Seven Visions Resort.
The highlight of the evening was the grand showcase of the “PASSION” limited collection, an interview with Elina, and a special gift raffle.

The event brought together prominent representatives from various fields, invited to discover the new collection and learn about the inspiring story behind its creation.

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.