Strength of spirit and family support: exclusive inside look at Armenia's Billie Jean King Cup triumph

The Armenian women's national tennis team has achieved remarkable success at the Billie Jean King Cup (Group III, Europe Zone), winning all their group stage matches and advancing to the playoffs. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Armenian tennis, but behind the numbers and victories lie emotions, personalities, and personal stories that make this triumph truly inspiring.

Following the victory over Malta, Sportaran.com spoke with the father of Alina Soghomonyan and the mother of Alexandra Korneyeva.

A New Team Leader — Alina Soghomonyan

One of the tournament’s standout stars was 17-year-old Alina Soghomonyan, who won all three of her singles matches, including the decisive clash against Malta. Sportaran.com spoke with her father — Artur Soghomonyan, well known in sports circles as the former owner of the football club “Pyunik.” Today, he’s a proud father and devoted supporter. Artur Arshamovich traveled to Chișinău with the Armenian team and cheered for his daughter and the entire squad on-site.

“The emotions are overwhelming. As a parent, it’s pure joy and pride when your daughter represents your country — especially your homeland,” says Artur Soghomonyan. “She’s now played four individual matches for Armenia and won them all. Her opponents were higher-ranked, but thanks to determination and character, Alina managed to win and deliver for the team.”

Alina Soghomonyan’s Matches for Team Armenia:

• 2024: Alina Soghomonyan (Armenia) def. Talita Giardi (San Marino) — 6-4, 6-4
• 2025: Alina Soghomonyan (Armenia) def. Silvia Aletti (San Marino) — 6-4, 1-6, 6-3
• 2025: Alina Soghomonyan (Armenia) def. Judith Cartena Alana (Andorra) — 6-3, 6-1
• 2025: Alina Soghomonyan (Armenia) def. Cheyenne Joyce Borg (Malta) — 7-6 (7-5), 6-1

According to Artur, the team was not at full strength — Naira Gevorgyan was unable to compete due to injury, and Armenia was represented by only three players: 17-year-old Alina Soghomonyan, 34-year-old veteran Ani Amiraghyan, and 16-year-old Alexandra Korneyeva. Despite this, the team, under the leadership of Gayane Movsisyan, showed fighting spirit and a high level of play.

The Decisive Match for the Team

Armenia convincingly defeated Andorra (3-0), San Marino (3-0), and in the decisive match — Malta (3-0). Alina Soghomonyan won all her matches, while Ani Amiraghyan, despite a tough start against Malta’s Helene Genovese, secured a hard-fought three-set victory.

“That win was crucial — it secured Armenia first place in the group,” emphasized Artur Soghomonyan.

On Elina Avanesyan Potentially Joining Team Armenia

He also shared exciting news: in 2026, Elina Avanesyan — one of the top Armenian-origin players — may officially join the Armenian national team. Since 2024, she has been competing under the Armenian flag. According to tournament rules, a player must go through a two-year waiting period after last representing another country before becoming eligible to play for their new national team.

“Starting next year, Elina will be able to play for Armenia. That will be a huge boost for us,” Soghomonyan believes.

Currently, the 22-year-old player from Pyatigorsk is ranked 48th in the WTA rankings.

Up Next — Playoffs and Dreams

The Armenian team now prepares for the playoffs, where they will face other group winners — Finland and Moldova. Only one of the three teams will earn promotion to the Europe/Africa Group II.

“The opponents are strong, with high rankings. But our team has character — and we’ll do our best to win,” says Alina’s father.

Playoff Match Schedule:

• June 19: Armenia vs. Finland

• June 20: Armenia vs. Moldova

With Faith and Gratitude

The conversation with Artur Soghomonyan ended on a heartfelt note. The family plans to celebrate the team’s success at an Armenian restaurant in Chișinău, followed by a visit to a church.

“We want to receive a blessing from the Armenian Apostolic Church. It means a lot to us. Especially now — in these difficult times for the Church — we want to be near it,” he concluded.

Another Debut Star — Alexandra Korneyeva: Armenia’s New Tennis Hope

Also debuting for the national team was 16-year-old Alexandra Korneyeva, who has lived in Armenia for many years and has already won multiple national championships. We spoke with her mother, Natalya Kazantseva, who works in Armenian hockey. More about her HERE.

What were the emotions after the win? As a parent and someone involved in Armenian sports?

“Definitely joy and pride. But to be honest, watching my daughter play is emotionally far more intense than even watching my favorite hockey club ‘Lions’ or the national team. To me, Alexandra is still a child — though on the court, she’s a mature fighter. Her participation in such a major tournament is a challenge not just for her, but for our whole family.”

How tough was the road? Were there challenges?

“Of course, it wasn’t easy. But Alexandra fully earned her spot on the team. She’s won the Armenian Championship twice, and took gold at the Pan-Armenian Games. Though she trains at the Spartak Academy in Moscow under Anastasia Myskina, she maintains a strong connection with Armenian tennis and regularly competes in local events. This isn’t just a formality — it’s about respect for the Armenian flag she represents.”

What are your hopes for the future? Is Armenian tennis progressing?

“I believe Armenian tennis now has a real horizon. With the arrival of new federation president Vardan Zakaryan, there’s hope for systemic reform. And if Elina Avanesyan joins the team next year, it’ll be a breakthrough. As a parent, I truly hope Armenian tennis will grow based on athletic merit, not bureaucracy. And I believe we’ll get there.”

Alexandra Korneyeva played one singles match at the tournament, defeating Talita Giardi from San Marino with a score of 6-1, 6-1.

Shamil Tarpishchev: “I Believe Armenian Tennis Will Be Reborn”

A Bit of History

Armenia began competing in the Billie Jean King Cup in 1997, but until this season had never won their group. In 2024, they lost to Moldova in the playoffs, but this year's lineup represents a new chapter: the return of seasoned players, the emergence of young talent, and strong family and fan support have created a genuine platform for growth. Before the tournament in Chișinău, Armenia was ranked 82nd in the world.

What is the Billie Jean King Cup — and Why Does It Matter?

The Billie Jean King Cup is the world’s largest international women’s team tennis competition, the female counterpart to the Davis Cup. Over 100 nations participate, and the tournament is structured across multiple levels:

• World Groups (I & II) — The elite tier, featuring teams like the USA, Czech Republic, France, and Germany.

• Continental Groups (I, II, III) — Regional divisions: Europe/Africa, Asia/Oceania, and Americas.

In 2025, Armenia is competing in Group III Europe — the entry-level division. Winning the group grants a spot in a mini-tournament, the winner of which advances to Group II Europe/Africa.

Promotion to Group II means:

• Competing against stronger, more prestigious teams

• Improving international ranking and recognition

• Attracting investment, qualified coaches, and increased attention to Armenian tennis

Such a result can inspire a new generation and transform the tennis infrastructure in the country — from youth academies to professional development.