Unseen Childhood Photos of Tennis Legends: Their Humble Beginnings Revealed

Time of India

2 days ago

Behind every powerful serve and match-winning rally lies a child once full of wonder, chasing balls across makeshift courts. Rare childhood photos of tennis legends open a unique window into the tender years of those who would go on to rule the sport.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
These images—some never seen before—tell stories not just of talent, but of upbringing, opportunity, and determination. From dusty courts to global fame, here's a look at five tennis icons, male and female, through the lens of their early years. Their origins may be ordinary, but their journeys are nothing short of phenomenal.
1. Roger Federer
Image via Instagram/ Tennis-magazine
Hailing from the tranquil city of Basel, Switzerland, Roger Federer was born to a multicultural household—his father Swiss, his mother South African.
By the time he was three, he was already swinging a racquet. Federer's early days were spent balancing sports with school, splitting his time between football and tennis until the latter took precedence. His natural flair and fluid game caught attention early on. A junior Wimbledon win in 1998 paved the way for his elegant ascent to the top.
The boy from Basel would eventually become the maestro of modern tennis, collecting 20 Grand Slam titles along the way.
2.
Serena Williams
Image via People.com
Serena Williams' rise is the stuff of legend. Born in Michigan but raised in Compton, California, Serena was part of a tight-knit family guided by her father Richard and mother Oracene. The gritty public courts of Compton saw her earliest swings, often alongside her sister Venus. Homeschooled to focus on her game, Serena turned professional at just 14. What followed was a revolution: powerful groundstrokes, unmatched tenacity, and a career that shattered nearly every record in the women's game.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Her journey—marked by both brilliance and barriers—has inspired generations beyond the world of tennis.
3. Maria Sharapova
Image via Instagram/ Maria_Sharapova_Love
Maria Sharapova was born in 1987 in Nyagan, a small town in Siberia, Russia, just after the Chernobyl disaster prompted her parents to move there for safety. Tennis entered her life early, and by the age of six, her raw talent was spotted by tennis great Martina Navratilova. That spark sent Maria and her father to the U.S.,
with barely any money and no English, to train at the Nick Bollettieri Academy in Florida. Her grit and elegance merged into a game that stunned Wimbledon in 2004 when she won at just 17.
From ice-cold focus to glamorous dominance, Sharapova made tennis both fierce and fashionable.
4. Steffi Graf
Image via Instagram/ Tennis_magazine
Steffi Graf's tennis journey began almost as soon as she could walk. Born in West Germany in 1969, she was coached by her father Peter, who introduced her to the game at age three.
Her first competitive win came at six, and by thirteen, she had broken into the professional circuit. Graf's style was all about ruthless efficiency—her footwork, timing, and discipline were unmatched. She reigned supreme in the late '80s and '90s, collecting 22 Grand Slam singles titles and becoming the only player ever to achieve a "Golden Slam"—winning all four majors and Olympic gold in one year (1988).
5. Novak Djokovic
Image via Instagram/ Tennis.serbia
Novak Djokovic was born in Belgrade in 1987, during a time of political unrest and economic hardship.
His parents ran a pizza parlour and supported his dream against all odds. Even as NATO bombs fell on his city, Novak trained obsessively—sometimes in empty swimming pools or halls. His first coach, Jelena Genčić, famously called him 'the greatest talent since Monica Seles.' Novak didn't just dream big—he trained bigger.
His steely mind and baseline brilliance propelled him to 24 Grand Slam titles, rewriting records in an era stacked with greats.
There's something profoundly moving about seeing greatness in its earliest form. A shy smile, a clumsy stance, or a racquet almost too heavy to lift—these childhood photographs capture more than just faces. They hold quiet moments of ambition before the world took notice. Behind every trophy is a memory of scraped knees, early morning practices, and parents cheering from the sidelines. These images remind us that legends aren't born—they're nurtured, often in silence and sacrifice.
And somewhere in those grainy frames, you can almost hear a whisper: this is where the journey truly began.