You don’t have to look far to find the source of Yaroslava Shvedova’s impressive athleticism. Her mother, Nurziya was a professional runner and world champion in the 100 kilometre ultra marathon, while her father, Vyacheslav, is a professional coach in tennis and athletics, who has guided both his wife and daughter at various stages in their respective careers.
But if the sporting genes were inherited, resilience is something Shvedova has had to learn for herself – and as the 24-year-old showed in a breakthrough 2012 it’s a quality she’s learned well.
A quarter-finalist at the 2010 French Open, Shvedova was working steadily towards bigger achievements when she suffered a knee injury early in 2011. After undergoing surgery, she quickly forged her way back onto the tour – which highlighted her enthusiasm but also proved a mistake.
“I came back too soon so my knee was bothering me for half (a) year,” Shvedova explained in 2012.
To say she has bounced back stronger than ever is an understatement. After losing in the first round of Australian Open qualifying, the Russian-born Kazakhstani returned to lower-level events hoping to regain some traction. Reaching consecutive finals in Mexico (she lost the first but won the second), provided momentum and after qualifying for the French Open, Shvedova achieved a much-needed breakthrough in upsetting defending champion Li Na on the way to another quarter-final at that Grand Slam.
Gaining many admirers with her determined hard-hitting style and an obvious joy at returning to the elite level of a game she loves so much, Shvedova was also quick to acknowledge those who have supported her goal to rebuild her ranking this season.
“I was working hard and had a great team around me,” said Shvedova, who started 2012 ranked world No. 206 and peaked at a career-best No.25 before season’s end. “I am very thankful to my team. It’s not only my work but the team work.”
The support of her coach Emiliano Redondi has been particularly valuable. “I like it a lot. First of all, he’s very good person and nice person. We have a very good relationship off the court, as well,” Shevedova said. “On the court, like tactically he’s helping me and he’s helping me to teach me to play with my game, with my style, and like founding some things to do with my game against the opponents”
Shvedova’s natural work ethic has undeniably facilitated their objectives. “I like to work. I like to improve myself on the court and off the court. Only thinking what I can do to be better,” she says, pointing to a new appreciation for her opportunities after her injury struggles.
“I think now like since I was injured and like I had a bad time, and now I (overcome) it. Coming back again, it’s giving me more spirit and more confidence and more energy to work harder.”
Confidence is the key word, with Shvedova following her French Open feat with an equally impressive Wimbledon. A wildcard recipient on the back of her Paris run, the 24-year-old was at her stunning best in her third round upset of 10th seed and recent Grand Slam finalist Sara Errani, where she claimed the opening set without dropping a game – or even a single point.
Shvedova was the first woman in history to claim a Golden Set, a term she admitted that she didn’t know existed before she accomplished it. Nor did she realise, at the time, that she was accomplishing such a feat, which included 14 aces and four winners.
“I had no idea. I was just playing every point and every game,” said Shvedova, who learned about the impressive feat from her coach. “I was like, ‘Really? Like not making unforced errors or not losing points? Not losing a point’. So it was incredible.”
One of many high points in a season that provided many for Shvedova, she’s a player to watch at this week’s Moorilla Hobart International.
Shvedova defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino today in straight sets 6-4 6-1. She will play Elena Vesnina tomorrow in the second round.