The Tennis Legacy: A Family Tradition Across Three Generations

From the pursuit of higher education in the USSR to a family-owned tennis academy overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Ghana, this family’s tennis journey is a testament to the sport’s unifying power across continents, cultures, and generations.

The family’s tennis tradition began with the father, who first picked up a racket while studying for his Ph.D. in Kiev, Ukraine, then part of the former USSR. Despite the academic rigor and demands of his studies, he found solace on the tennis courts, where he developed a lifelong passion for the game. In the cold winters and amid the vibrant cultural exchange of the Soviet Union, his love for tennis became a defining part of his life, one he would later share with his children and, ultimately, his grandson.

Years later, this love of tennis spread to his children. His daughter and son were introduced to the sport in Italy and India, respectively. The daughter embraced the game while living and studying in Italy, absorbing the rich sporting culture and adopting the technical finesse that Italian players are known for. Her younger brother, on the other hand, pursued his tennis education more intensely in Spain, attending a prestigious tennis academy in Barcelona, a city renowned for its world-class training facilities and tradition of producing top-tier players. His dedication to the sport continued through college, where he represented his institution, Baruch College, in intercollegiate competitions across the United States, gaining international experience and honing his skills.

The next generation brought the family’s tennis tradition to a whole new level. The daughter’s young child, only six years old, is already distinguishing himself on the tennis court. His natural ability, combined with an early start and the guidance of his family, suggests a promising future in the sport. Watching him play, one sees the blend of techniques, dedication, and love for tennis passed down through generations, setting the stage for a potentially remarkable career.

In a fitting tribute to this family legacy, a tennis court was built at the family’s residence on the hillside of Kokrobite in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. This court, overlooking the majestic Atlantic Ocean, serves as both a personal training ground and a community hub. Recognizing the transformative power of sport, the family established The Alabo Tennis Academy (TATA) for underprivileged children under the age of twelve. Here, young athletes are trained regularly under the supervision of Coach Gigs, a certified tennis coach, learning not just the skills of the game but also the values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

This unique academy embodies the family’s belief that tennis should be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background. By offering free training to young children, the family hopes to inspire a new generation of Ghanaian tennis players, instilling in them the same love for the game that has spanned three generations of their own lineage.

In many ways, the family’s journey reflects the global nature of tennis itself. From the Soviet courts to the Italian, Indian and Spanish training grounds, to the hillsides of Ghana, tennis has become more than just a sport for this family—it is a shared passion that connects them across time and space. Their story illustrates the lasting impact of traditions passed down, not just as skills or achievements, but as a legacy of joy, determination, and community.