We continue our series of stories about the winners of the 2026 Moldovan Championship. This is the story of Moldovan champion Gabriel Baciu , age category “up to 18 years” .
It’s rare to hear such a story in junior tennis. Most of the world’s top players first pick up a racket at three or four years old, and are already competing in international tournaments by ten or twelve. Therefore, many believe that if you didn’t manage to jump on this bandwagon as a child, it’s impossible to catch up.
Gabriel Baciu proves the opposite with his example.
He actually picked up a racket at the age of ten. But he admits: tennis didn’t interest him at all back then. There were months when he didn’t show up for practice at all.
“To be honest, I didn’t enjoy practicing at all back then. I’d go for long stretches without going to the court and not thinking about tennis.”
Everything changed four years later. That’s when Gabriel decided to try to start over, but for real.
“At fourteen, I decided to give it my all. Thanks in large part to my coach, who believed in me and showed me I was capable of achieving more. My friends also helped a lot, constantly motivating me to keep going.”
This decision was a turning point. Today, Gabriel Baciu is the champion of the Republic of Moldova among boys under 18 years old.
Behind this victory are years of work, when I had to catch up with those who started training much earlier.
“When I first started training seriously, I lost a lot. It was sometimes hard to stay motivated. But I never gave up and always looked for ways to move forward. I owe a lot of my progress to my coach.”
Today, Gabriel represents the Acvila Tennis Club , where he trains under the guidance of Timofey Uzun . He credits this coach with helping him realize his full potential.
Now their main goal is to gradually move to an ever higher level of international competitions.
“We are working to successfully play ITF Juniors tournaments and then move on to professional tournaments.”
The victory at the Moldovan Championship was especially valuable for him because it was the first major title in his career.
“I’m very happy. You could say this is my first real title. I’ve worked hard and I believe I deserve it.”
At the same time, the champion himself understands perfectly well that much more serious challenges lie ahead.
In recent seasons, Gabriel has already managed to play in ITF Juniors tournaments , where the level of competition is significantly different from national competitions.
“It’s really tough playing against guys who’ve been training practically since childhood. But I think the gap between Moldovan and international tennis isn’t as big now as it used to be.”
These words are especially important for young Moldovan players. They demonstrate that, with the right preparation, competing with strong European tennis players is becoming increasingly possible.
Gabriel considers his singles title not to be one of the most vivid memories of his career . Surprisingly for many, he cites his first doubles victory at the Tennis tournament. Europe .
“It was a very emotional match. I still remember it with fondness.”
Gabriel’s athletic life is scheduled almost down to the minute. Each day includes about an hour and a half of physical training and another two and a half, sometimes three, hours of work on the court. It’s this discipline that has allowed him to make significant strides in a relatively short time.
Among modern players, he is especially inspired by the Italian Flavio Kobolly .
“I really like his style of play. He plays beautifully, confidently, and very elegantly. I also got to see his matches live, and it made a huge impression.”
But perhaps most powerfully, Gabriel’s character is revealed by a completely different thought. He doesn’t hide the fact that he sometimes regrets the time he’s lost.
“Of course, sometimes I think that I could have started studying seriously much earlier.”
However, he immediately adds:
“These regrets won’t change anything.”
Instead of looking back, he prefers to look forward.
In the coming years, Gabriel dreams of gaining a foothold in the ITF Juniors tournaments , and then reaching the ITF World level. Tennis Tour M15 , which was recently called Futures , and after that gradually move towards professional tennis.
He understands perfectly well that this path will not be easy. But it was his own history that taught him the most important thing.
“It’s never too late. If you truly love what you do, you can always make up for lost time with desire, hard work, and dedication.”
These words could well become the motto of his entire sports career.
Gabriel’s story Baciu reminds all young athletes of one simple truth: it’s not always those who come to tennis first who win. Sometimes success comes to those who make the most important decision of their lives—to stop making excuses and start working hard.
Blitz:
Favorite surface? Primer.
Favorite hit? Backhand
The toughest opponent? I myself
Favorite Grand Slam tournament? Roland Garros
Favorite place you’ve already played? Ferrero Academy
Favorite pre-match music? Hijo de la Moon
What do you like to do outside of tennis? Play basketball with friends.
Favorite dish? Pasta.
Three words that describe you? Hardworking, motivated, empathetic
Your biggest sporting dream? To play in a Grand Slam.
