‘Don’t Carry Your Passport’ – NCAA Tennis Player Relives Horrific Times Amid Russia-Ukraine War

Diana Shnaider, a freshman at North Carolina State University, is making waves on the WTA Tour. After becoming the first woman to be ranked in the WTA top 100 while playing college tennis since 1993, the Russian athlete is trying to balance both worlds. However, her journey to the top has been fraught with challenges, including navigating the pro circuit last year with no chaperone or modern means of payment.

Despite making it big in pro tennis, Diana Shnaider is, after all, only a teenager. It is natural that her parents are concerned about her safety, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The sports authorities have issued sanctions against Russian athletes, and Shnaider’s mother was understandably concerned after she left home.

Diana Shnaider is a force in the world of tennis

After her brush with tne former world no.3 Maria Sakkari at the Australian Open, Shnaider climbed the top 100 ladder and caught the eye of the international tennis circuit.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Shnaider revealed that when she won a title in Istanbul, the organizers had to give her prize money worth $9,000 in cash. “I was so careful,” she said, talking about carrying the huge stash of bank notes. As a teenager, she was understandably confused. “I was like, what am I supposed to do with that?”

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However, her entire trip was less than some exciting adventure. It wasn’t like she always had money to pay for her accommodations. Shnaider’s journey has been a source of anxiety for her parents, particularly her mother, who worries about her daughter’s safety and well-being. “My parents were feeling really insecure for me,” she said. “My mom was like, ‘Don’t carry your passport, don’t go outside, don’t speak Russian, just stay in the hotel.’ Because she just didn’t know what people can do.”

Her father Makshim and her mother Julia are both very different when it comes to their ideas about education. While Makshim focuses more on his daughter’s career as a pro-tennis player, Julia is more worried about Diana’s education.

Are Shnaider’s mother’s fears justified?

Shnaider’s mother’s concerns are not groundless. The world of professional tennis can be a dangerous place for young athletes, particularly those who are new to the game. While there are rules and regulations in place to protect players, there have been instances of harassment and abuse.

Shnaider’s story serves as a reminder that the world of professional sports is not always glamorous or easy. With legends like Martina Navratilova singing praises for her, Shnaider is undoubtedly building something great. If anything, Shnaider is proof that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to achieve your dreams.

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