Elina Avanesyan hoping to 'inspire' younger generation after being granted Armenian citizenship

After being granted her citizenship, Elina Avanesyan hopes to inspire a new generation of Armenian players. The 21-year-old previously represented Russia on the tour but has recently decided to represent the country of her parents' birth.

Avanesyan was recently quoted in a report where she stated that she is extremely proud of representing her new country on the tour. She also stated her desire to inspire a newer generation of Armenian players in tennis in the years to come.

“I am extremely proud to represent the Armenian flag at the Cincinnati Open and US Open,” she said. “It is an extraordinary opportunity and a tribute to my roots, my family, and my community, who have always supported me. I aim to achieve great results as an Armenian athlete and have ambitious goals to bring the country significant success in the world of tennis over the coming years. I dream of being an inspiration for Armenian citizens, especially amongst younger generations. I want to be a role model for aspiring athletes and encourage young people to take up sport. My goal is to strengthen tennis in Armenia and ignite a passion in a new generation of athletes.”

The Pyatigorsk-born recently played in her first WTA final in the Lasi Open where she was forced to retire in the third set against Mirra Andreeva. Before that, the 21-year-old has achieved some impressive results against big-name players such as Greece’s Maria Sakkari, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur and China’s Qinwen Zhang. Avanesyan has played in all three Grand Slams this year but failed to qualify in the quarterfinal or beyond in any of the events. Her most impressive outing this year in a Grand Slam came during the French Open. Her journey at the Roland Garros finally ended in the fourth round when she lost to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini with a score of 4-6, 6-0, 6-1.