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12 Tennis Stars Who Didn’t Come From Tennis Families

Tennis is often seen as a sport passed down through generations, with rackets handed off like family heirlooms. But not every star grew up surrounded by the game—some had to blaze their own trail to the top.

These players didn’t have tennis royalty in their bloodline. They came from non-tennis households, found the sport on their own terms, and still managed to become some of the biggest names in the game.

12. Holger Rune

May 30, 2025; Paris, FR; Holger Rune of Denmark returns a shot during his match against Quentin Halys of France on day six at Roland Garros Stadium.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Rune’s mom got involved once he showed interest in the sport, but tennis wasn’t something that ran in the family. He wasn’t born into it—he simply obsessed over it until it became his path.

11. Simona Halep

Mar 19, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Simona Halep (ROU) hits a forehand against Paula Badosa (ESP) (not pictured) on day two of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Halep’s family ran a dairy business in Romania and didn’t know much about tennis. But once she picked up a racket, her natural drive took over and never looked back.

10. Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev hits to Holger Rune during the ATP semifinals at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Medvedev’s parents were engineers, not exactly the background you’d expect for a future Grand Slam champ. He found his love for the game late and carved out his own path in a tennis-obsessed country.

9. Elena Rybakina

Jun 1, 2025; Paris, FR; Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan reacts to a point during her match against Iga Swiatek of Poland on day eight at Roland Garros Stadium.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Rybakina was actually more focused on gymnastics and skating before giving tennis a serious shot. Her family didn’t push her into it, but she took the reins herself and made it count.

8. Johanna Konta

Aug 11, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Johanna Konta from Great Britain serves against Elina Svitolina from Ukrania (not pictured) during the second round play at Stade IGA.
Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images

Konta’s parents were not tennis pros—they were hotel workers who moved the family from Australia to the UK. She didn’t grow up in a tennis academy but found her way there with a lot of hustle and long hours on the court.

7. Victoria Azarenka

Aug 2, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; Victoria Azarenka serves against Aryna Sabalenka (not pictured) on day seven of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Azarenka’s mother worked at a tennis club, but the family itself had no real tennis history. It was her mom’s job that opened the door—and Victoria sprinted through it.

6. Frances Tiafoe

Jun 3, 2025; Paris, FR; Frances Tiafoe of the United States returns a shot during his match against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on day 10 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Tiafoe’s father worked as a maintenance man at a tennis center, and that’s how he got introduced to the sport. His family didn’t come from money or tennis prestige—just grit and opportunity.

5. Iga Swiatek

Jun 5, 2025; Paris, FR; Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts to a point during her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 12 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Swiatek’s father was an Olympic rower, not a tennis player. Her athletic genes were strong, but her tennis journey was one she had to navigate independently.

4. Ons Jabeur

Jan 18, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Ons Jabeur of Tunisia hits a forehand during her match against Emma Navarro of United States of America in the third round of the women's singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Jabeur came from a large Tunisian family where tennis wasn’t the norm. Her passion started in local courts, and she rose through the ranks with little traditional backing.

3. Alex de Minaur

Mar 24, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alex de Minaur (AUS) celebrates after match point against Joao Fonseca (BRA)(not pictured) on day seven of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

De Minaur’s parents owned a car wash and a local business—tennis wasn’t really on their radar. But once their son showed interest, they supported him all the way.

Read More: 10 Tennis Players Who Argued Like They Wrote the Rules

2. Coco Gauff

Jul 1, 2025; Wimbledon United Kingdom; Coco Gauff (USA) reacts after winning a point against Dayana Yastremska (UKR)(not pictured) on day 2 of The Championships, Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Gauff’s parents were high-level athletes, but not tennis players. Her dad played basketball, and her mom ran track, and tennis was a brand-new adventure for the whole family.

Read More: 15 Tennis Stars Who Had No Business Being That Inspiring

1. Serena Williams

Sept 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the USA waves to the crowd after defeating Vania King of USA (not pictured) on day four of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Serena didn’t come from a tennis dynasty—she helped create one. Her family didn’t have tennis roots, but through determination, training, and a whole lot of belief, she and her sister Venus changed the sport forever.

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