Elina Avanesyan: “I am looking forward to the 2028 Olympics”

On September 8, a press conference dedicated to the visit of tennis player Elina Avanesyan to Armenia was held in Yerevan. The event was organized at the initiative of the Keron Development Foundation and the Tennis Federation of Armenia.

Elina Avanesyan is considered one of the most promising representatives of Armenian sports. A year ago, with the support of the Keron Foundation, she obtained citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, and since August 2024 she has been competing in international tournaments under the Armenian flag. She opened a new chapter in the history of Armenian sports by becoming the country’s first representative to break into the Top 40 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) world rankings. In March 2025, Avanesyan achieved her career-high position — No. 36.

The press conference was also attended by Vanane Ararqtsyan, Executive Director of the Keron Foundation, and Gevorg Karamanukyan, Secretary General of the Tennis Federation of Armenia.

Answering journalists’ questions, Avanesyan admitted that due to injuries she had lost ground in the rankings in recent months but emphasized her determination to regain her previous level:

“I will put all my efforts into achieving new successes and will do my best to represent Armenia with honor on the international stage. Each time I return to Armenia I feel great joy and inspiration from taking part in various events,” said the athlete.

Avanesyan’s main long-term goal remains participation in the Olympic Games. She noted that she is eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to compete at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

During her visit, the tennis player has already held a masterclass in Tsaghkadzor, which was attended by more than 200 children and young athletes. She praised the youth’s interest in tennis. On September 10, Avanesyan will also visit Dilijan, where she will meet with students of the local sports school.

The main sponsor of the athlete’s visit to Armenia is the official representative of Adidas in the country. Elina Avanesyan will stay in Armenia until September 10.