Ukrainian #1 Violetta Skryp has made a splash on the Junior Tour this year, emphasising her versatility by winning singles, doubles and team event titles. Currently ranked #8 and having safely qualified in fifth position for next week’s Junior Masters, the Odessa native talked to us about her hunger for the game, her homeland and her hopes for her tennis future.
First, a summary of her fruitful Tennis Europe journey over the past three years, which includes an undefeated run in all 14 singles and doubles finals she has played in 2024 and 2025.
Can you tell us a little bit about how you started playing tennis?
I started when I was six years old. My mother and I went to the park where there was a tennis court. We just decided to try playing, and at first, I played only once a week — just for fun.
So, you just saw the court and thought, “I’m going to try this”?
Yes! Before that, I tried dancing, but I didn’t like it so that’s why I took up tennis.
When you were younger, or even now, did you have any idols or players you looked up to?
I don’t know… now I like Sabalenka. I think most of the young players like her (laughs). I didn’t really watch much tennis before.
How did you first hear about the Tennis Europe Junior Tour?
They just invited me! I didn’t know about it before that.
Someone from your club or your coach told you about us?
No, Tennis Europe invited me. I talked to my parents to ask if I could go. They didn’t really like me traveling alone, but they agreed.
How do you combine school and training, with all the traveling and tournaments?
I study online. It’s really comfortable because if I have a match in the morning, I can ask teachers to move lessons to the evening. The same if I have practice, whether I have practice in the morning or the afternoon, I can adjust my class schedule easily.
What are some of your favorite tournaments on the Junior Tour?
[laughter] Not the Winter Cups — I didn’t like that one at all [she’s joking: Skryp went unbeaten as Ukraine took the title earlier this year]! I think Stockholm is also one of my favourites.
What’s your favorite thing about traveling from tournament to tournament?
I like visiting new places and seeing things outside the courts. It’s boring to be on the court all the time. I enjoy exploring cities and looking around.
What are some of the most interesting or beautiful cities you’ve been to?
Barcelona! I love Barcelona so much — especially the Sagrada Família. Sanchez Academy in August was my first tournament there, but I’ve practiced there before, and I really like the place [Skryp returned to Barcelona to play at the 14&U Super Category event in October].
Have you been to the beach in Barcelona?
Yes, but not this time. The last time I was at the beach was in spring.
Do you make strong friendships on the Junior Tour?
Yes, I have a lot of friends! Maybe we don’t talk all the time, but still. I can’t really say I have one best friend — I think it’s better to have many good friends.
You’re 14 now, so a few years ago when the war started in Ukraine you were 11 years old. How difficult was that for you to process, and also to have to play and travel at the same time?
It was very hard. Also, you can’t fly from Ukraine, so we had to go by car to another country — like Poland, Slovakia, or Moldova. It was so hard because you need to stay at the border for hours, just waiting without moving. For example, to go from Ukraine to Moldova was 10 hours.
Do you go back to Ukraine often?
No, I don’t live there now. I practice in Mallorca at the Rafa Nadal Academy. The last time I was in Ukraine was last year.
What about your spare time? You’re active on social media — what are your favourite platforms?
Instagram, definitely. It’s my favourite.
How much time do you spend on social media every day?
[laughs] A lot — more than two hours for sure!
Do your parents or coach get mad about it?
My parents do! (laughs) My coach doesn’t say anything, but I try not to use my phone when we’re together. During matches, I put it on airplane mode so I’m not distracted.
You’ve been in the top eight in the Race to Monte Carlo for a while — was playing there one of your goals?
Yes. My dad is always talking about points, but I don’t calculate them. I just try to play and win. Of course, it’s nice if I can get more points. I know I have the maximum in doubles — I won the European Championships [pictured below] and a Super Category event in doubles.
Looking ahead, what are your main goals in tennis?
My biggest dream is to win the Olympic Games.
And are there any tournaments you especially want to play or win?
Wimbledon — I want to play there again. The atmosphere is amazing. When I first went there (for the 14&U invitational), I was shocked by how nice it was. That’s definitely my goal — to go back to Wimbledon one more time.
Thank you so much for your time.
Thank you!
Check out one of our encounters with Violetta earlier this year, on Instagram...