The story of Valeria Ifodi, the 2026 Moldovan U16 Girls’ Champion.
Sometimes the road to a great dream begins entirely by chance. Many years ago, Valeria Ifodi’s parents were walking past a tennis club when they noticed a children’s training session and suggested that their daughter give the sport a try. She was seven years old at the time. Before that, Valeria had spent several years practising gymnastics, which taught her discipline, hard work and the importance of improving herself every day. After her very first session, it became clear that tennis would hold a special place in her life.
Today, Valeria lives and trains in Potsdam, Germany. She regularly competes in international ITF Juniors tournaments and represents the Republic of Moldova on the international stage. Although her sporting career is developing mainly outside the country, she feels a very strong connection with her homeland.
“I was born in Moldova, so it is a great honour for me to represent my country. Every time I step onto the court under the Moldovan flag, I feel a great sense of responsibility. My dream is to win a Grand Slam tournament one day while representing Moldova,” Valeria says.
This year marked her first appearance at the Moldovan National Championships. Making a debut at a national championship is an emotional experience for many players, but Valeria managed to control her nerves and immediately claimed the U16 girls’ national title.
“I really wanted to win, but I was still nervous before every match. After the final, I felt enormous relief and happiness. My parents were the first people to congratulate me,” she recalls.
For Valeria, not only the title itself but also the opportunity to return home holds special meaning.
“Moldova is my homeland. My grandparents live here, and this is where I feel at home. I really like the people and the warm atmosphere. That is why I believe it is important to come back and compete in my country’s national championship,” she explains.
Valeria’s training schedule bears little resemblance to the usual routine of a teenager. Her day begins at 6:45 a.m. Her first two-hour training session starts at 8:00, followed by an hour of physical conditioning. She then spends several hours attending school online before returning to the court for another full training session in the evening. Only after that is there time for recovery and rest.
Although she trains in Germany, Valeria points out that success depends on much more than training conditions.
“I really liked Moldova’s new National Tennis Centre. It offers excellent opportunities for players. But ultimately, everything depends on the athlete and their willingness to work,” she says.
Despite her young age, Valeria has already gained considerable international experience. One of the achievements she values most is reaching the qualifying draw of an ITF J300 tournament, where she successfully advanced through the opening round. She also has particularly fond memories of matches in which she managed to turn things around after trailing 0–5, as well as victories over ITF-ranked opponents before earning an international ranking of her own. According to Valeria, matches like these help a player develop belief in their abilities.
Asked about her tennis role models, Valeria names two of the strongest players in the modern game.
She admires Elena Rybakina’s composure and her ability to remain calm and in full control of her emotions, even in the most tense matches. In Aryna Sabalenka’s game, she values the power, aggression and confidence.
“I would like to take Rybakina’s calmness and Sabalenka’s attacking style,” the champion says.
The Moldovan Championships also brought another pleasant discovery.
“I met many players. We have stayed in touch since the tournament, continue to support one another and meet again at competitions. I truly felt that I had become part of the large Moldovan tennis family,” Valeria says.
Valeria sees junior Grand Slam tournaments as the next major stage of her career. To reach them, she plans to improve her international ranking and earn the opportunity to compete in the most prestigious events on the global junior circuit. Her ultimate ambition, however, is much greater.
“I want to reach the WTA Top 10, and my biggest dream is to become World No. 1,” Valeria admits.
Finally, she offers some advice to those who are only beginning their journey in tennis.
“Love what you do. Believe in yourself and never give up. I recently heard a phrase that stayed with me: ‘If today you really do not feel like going to practice, then today is probably the day when you will learn something new.’ I think those words are very true.”
Valeria Ifodi has already shown that distance does not prevent her from remaining part of Moldovan tennis. While competing in international tournaments, she proudly represents her country and continues to return home to fight for the Moldovan national title. Judging by her attitude towards hard work, her discipline and the goals she has set, this victory is only one of the opening chapters in a much larger sporting story.
Foto: Claudio Gärtner
Quick Fire
Favourite surface: clay
Favourite shot: drop shot
Favourite Grand Slam tournament: Wimbledon
Favourite players: Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka
The most beautiful city where she has played: Split, Croatia
What she likes most about Germany: tournaments take place almost every week
What she likes most about Moldova: this is where she feels at home
Favourite food: sushi
Favourite activity away from tennis: spending time with family and friends
Biggest dream: to become World No. 1
