Teen war refugee, 13, discovered playing tennis against Glasgow wall makes Wimbledon final
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A UKRAINIAN war refugee who was discovered playing tennis against the wall of a Glasgow hotel has been hailed for his 'fairytale' journey to a Wimbledon final.
Thirteen-year-old Illia Snaksarov reached the finals at SW19 by seeing off competition from across the UK in the junior event - just months after he was spotted by a city council interpreter and introduced to a nearby tennis club.
1
Illia Snaksarov escaped war in Ukraine and is now a Wimbledon finalist
Credit: BBC SPORT
The teen, who fled Russia's invasion and arrived in Glasgow two years ago, quicky rose in club ranks, going on to win regional heats of the Lawn Tennis Association's Play Your Way To Wimbledon earlier in the summer.
Snaksarov lost 6-3, 6-2 in the final at Wimbledon to England's Mayr-Brown Devall but his parents Vlad and have hailed his incredible achievement and praised coaches at Western Tennis Club who have taken Illia under their wing.
Mum Sviltana said: 'It has been an incredible experience for us and for Illia, who has been able to play so many matches with so many different kids from all over the country.
'We have had so many emotions, nerves and tears of happiness among them. It's been amazing.'
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine the Snaksarovs fled to the UK from their home town of Khmelnitsky, in the region of Podolia, via Poland and London.
Illia, mum Svitlana and dad Volodymyr were eventually rehomed in the Calton area in the east end of the city, where their son attends St Mungo's Academy.
Mum Svitlana worked as a childminder in Ukraine and now volunteers in a charity shop while taking English classes at college.
Dad Volodymyr, a grocer who ran junior tennis competitions in Ukraine now embroiders bracelets in the colours of his country to sell to raise funds for the war effort in Ukraine. He also coaches his son on the city's municipal tennis courts.
He said: 'Thanks to the Western Club and the Lawn Tennis Association we have found ourselves in a fairytale this week. All is very good.'
Coach Julie Gordon, from Western Tennis Club said: 'What Illia has achieved is truly remarkable, considering the hardships he and his family have had to endure fleeing the war in their home. Three years ago it was hard to imagine him playing at a Wimbledon final.
Ben Shelton in tense exchange with Flavio Cobolli on live TV after controversial gesture ahead of US Open
'Reaching the finals of an event like this is hugely significant for any young player, but Illia has show so much resilience and determination, and huge talent too, and his family have been incredible.
'He's one of a few players who we have here at the club who have fled the war in Ukraine.
'We're so proud to have him playing at Western, and look forward to seeing what he achieves next.'
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
16 minutes ago
- ITV News
England defender Lucy Bronze is one of five Lionesses nominated for football's Ballon d'Or award
It has been revealed that Lucy Bronze is among five Lionesses to be nominated for this year's Women's Ballon d'Or. The 33-year-old from Berwick-upon-Tweed helped England clinch two consecutive European titles with a victory over Spain in the Women's Euros in Switzerland last month. Also up for the prestigious award is Captain Leah Williamson, as well as Bronze's teammates Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, and Hannah Hampton. The right-back played almost every minute of every game of the Euros 2025 campaign and revealed after the final that she'd actually been playing on a fractured tibia. In an interview with the BBC after the match, she said: 'I think that is why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, because I'm in a lot of pain, but that's what it takes to play for England and that's what I will do. They know that and we inspire each other by playing through things like that, and it got us to the end in the end.' This most recent nomination is not the first time Bronze's achievements have been recognised. In 2019, she became the first English footballer to win the UEFA Women's Player of the Year Award, and the following year she was named FIFA Best Player. The Ballon d'Or is a French award with the shortlist built by journalists from France Football magazine. Four English players have also been nominated for the Men's Ballon d'Or, with Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer and Declan Rice all on the list. The ceremony takes place in Paris on Monday 22 September.
Scotsman
17 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Hibs transfer exit confirmed as former Blackpool defender joins MK Dons
The Hibs deal has been confirmed and reasoning for the move have been shared Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs have confirmed the exit of Marvin Ekpiteta, who has joined English League Two side MK Dons. The centre back joined the Easter Road side last year from Blackpool and has made 17 appearances. He has found minutes limited in David Gray's side, with Rocky Bushiri, Jack Iredale, Warren O'Hora and new signing Grant Hanley amongst the options ahead of him in the pecking order. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ekpiteta started his career in the lower leagues down south before a move to Leyton Orient in 2018. He spent two years there before a move to Blackpool, who he was with until trying his hand at Scottish football, now heading back down south for more regular game time. Marvin Ekpiteta Hibs transfer exit Head coach Gray said: 'I'd like to thank Marv for his positive attitude and efforts during his time with us. He has been a pleasure to work with every day, and we wish him all the best for the future. Unfortunately, he's found it hard to break back into the team over the last nine months, and he has a real desire to play football regularly, so this transfer works for everyone involved.' Hibs Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: 'Marvin has a lot of positive attributes, which is why there's been a lot of interest in him from teams in England. At his age, he wants to play football regularly, and we completely understood that. He's a good person, and we wish him nothing but the best in his career.' MK Dons head coach Paul Warne can't wait to get to work with the defender. He said: "He's a big centre-half with pace, he's aggressive in both boxes, and I just think he's something the squad needs. I tried to sign him before when he was at Leyton Orient, but he went to Blackpool, and I've tracked him ever since. We're really fortunate to get him over the line! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Why MK Dons have signed star from Hibs "I think, at times, we need to be stronger, and we need different ways to play different games. It is up to us as staff to see what we are missing and to try to get it. Marvin knows what he is good at, and he knows he has to work hard to get into the team. To get him through is great news for everyone." Speaking on his transfer, Ekpiteta said: 'I am happy to be here, I am looking forward to the new challenge ahead. It's an exciting club to be a part of. I didn't play as much as I'd have liked to last year, I want to play regular football again." "I have played higher, I have played lower, and I know what it takes to push on and up, to get us out of this league. I feel like I bring a lot of experience and some good qualities to the team. The signings the club is making are really positive, so I am happy to be on board!"
Scottish Sun
17 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Who are Vicky Mboko's parents?
See what Vicky said about the effect her family's support has had on her incredible game Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VICKY Mboko stunned four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to win her first WTA 1000 title at the 2025 Canadian Open. Here we get to know the parents of tennis' latest superstar, who had more than a little influence on her success. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Victoria Mboko defied the odds to win the Canadian Open Credit: Reuters 2 She defeated four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the final Credit: Getty Who are Vicky Mboko's parents? Victoria 'Vicky' Mboko is the daughter of Cyprien Mboko and Godee Kitadi. Seeking a better life, the couple emigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a time of turmoil in the late 1990s. The family first moved to North Carolina, where Vicky was born on August 26, 2006. When she was just two months old, the family relocated to Toronto, Canada, where Vicky was raised. Early on in his life, her dad Cyprien developed a passion for tennis. While he never played professionally, he was an avid follower of the sport from childhood. In September 2021, Cyprien told OnTennis: 'I have been watching tennis since I was very young. 'My friend and I back home in the Congo would watch Agassi, Courier, Graf and all the other great players.' His love for tennis was passed down to his offspring, with Cyprien believing it would promote physical fitness and personal growth. Despite financial constraints, he worked night shifts to support his daughter's training and tournament travel. Moment Swiatek beats Amanda Anisimova in first Wimbledon final whitewash for 114 years Vicky's mum Godee pursued her education diligently, earning an accounting degree while in Montreal. Together, Cyprien and Godee built a household where tennis was not just a pastime but a significant focus. They moved the family to Burlington, Ontario, so their kids could benefit from better training facilities and programmes. My sister and brothers have been really important for me. I probably would not have played tennis if not for them. They played with me and coached me Vicky Mboko Their commitment to tennis led to all four of their kids — Vicky and her siblings Gracia, Kevin and David — playing the sport competitively. Gracia earned a tennis scholarship to the University of Denver, Kevin played at Edinboro University, and David showed early promise before eye problems forced him to stop competing. Vicky began playing tennis as a toddler, with her siblings playing a crucial role in nurturing her passion and skills. Her sister Gracia said: 'It almost seems like Vicky was born on a tennis court because our parents were always there when we were practising or playing, and Vicky would be with them.' The family's strong support system has been essential to Vicky's rapid rise in the ranks, with Vicky herself crediting them for her success. She said: 'My sister and brothers have been really important for me. I probably would not have played tennis if not for them. They played with me and coached me.'
