👧 Elif Balım Özdemir | Tennis Papers interview, October 2025

“I want to become world number 1.”

Meet Elif Balım Özdemir, Turkish girl junior tennis player who lives in Gaziemir, Turkey and competing in U12 tennis category.
Elif is currently ranked in the top 5 in Turkey in her category and compets in the Tennis Europe Junior Tour.

(Information gathered via an exclusive interview by Tennis Papers).

📘 Elif Balım Özdemir | Biography, October 2025

🏠 Residence | Gaziemir, Turkey

🌞 A lively district of İzmir, blending modern life with Aegean charm.
🛍️ Known for its shopping centers, parks, and the İzmir Fairgrounds.
✈️ Close to the airport, it’s a welcoming hub for travelers and locals alike.
🌸 With friendly people, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere, Gaziemir is a bright and growing part of the Aegean coast!

🎙️Elif Balım Özdemir | Interview, October 2025

Hello, introduce yourself please.
My name is Elif Balım Özdemir, I am 12 years old — I was born on March 6, 2013.
I am Turkish and my city of residence is Gaziemir, İzmir, Turkey.

What languages ​​do you speak?
Turkish

At what age did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis 10 years old.

Are there other tennis players in your family?
My dad is a tennis player.

In which club do you train tennis?
I train in Altin Raket Teni̇s Kulübü.

Who is your tennis coach?
My tennis coach is Dorukcan Kokver and my mental coach is Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Ekmekçi.

What is your weekly training routine?
I play tennis and do physical training every day.

As an athlete, what is your greatest quality and what do you need to improve?
My footwork is fast and I have good technique.

What is your junior tennis category and your national tennis ranking?
I play in Under-12 and I am ranked #5 in the Turkish championship.

What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest success is finishing 5th in the Turkish Championship.
I finished 2nd in the consolation tournament in Tennis Europe.

In which countries have you already participated in tennis tournaments?
I played in Kosova, Kıbrıs in the Tennis Europe Junior Tour.

Do you have any sponsors?
Yes I have a sponsor — it is Begars.
You can see me in Begars Instangram pages — @begars.sportswearr

What is your goal for 2026?
More succses

What is your tennis dream?
I want to become world number 1.

Who are your favorite tennis players?
My favorite tennis player is Sabalenka.

What do you like to do outside of tennis?
I listen to music and watch tennis matches.

To which people would you like to dedicate this interview?
To my dad and my mom

Thanks a lot Elif!
Tennis Papers wishes you the best in your tennis life 💜🩷

🎾 NAME | Tennis playing, October 2025