Demin: I am playing some of the best tennis of my career
Upon leaving his post-match press conference, Yaroslav Demin fist-pumped the press attendant looking after the new media theatre at Wimbledon. It transpires the 17-year-old had given the gentleman in question a ball from his bag the previous day.
In many ways that small act sums Demin up and it is clear, even from watching from afar, that Demin is a character and possesses an infectious personality. In short, when he is around, there is no shortage of laughing faces and cracking smiles.
The Moscow-born teenager also has the game to match and, having topped the Roland Garros doubles podium last month, he is now a Junior Grand Slam singles semi-finalist after reaching the last four at the Junior Championships, Wimbledon.
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In defeating Poland’s Tomasz Berkieta 7-6(5) 7-6(6), junior world No. 7 Demin ensured will be contest a Junior Grand Slam semi-final for the first time when he draws swords with Darwin Blanch of the United States tomorrow.
Incidentally, Blanch was responsible, alongside fellow American Roy Horovitz, for ending Demin’s run and that of his partner Cooper Williams in the boys’ doubles, with singles now firmly the priority. Williams will also feature in tomorrow's semi-finals against Great Britain’s Henry Searle.
After experiencing grass for the first time at J300 Roehampton last week and suffering a galling first-round exit, Demin hit the practice courts with coach James Allemby and now feels he has the potential to thrive on the big stage.
“It feels so good, amazing in fact, but I am not going to stop at the semi-finals,” Demin, who was part of the Russia team that topped the 2021 Davis Cup Juniors podium, tells itftennis.com. “Right now, I am probably playing the best tennis of my career.
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“Last week was my first tournament on grass and I lost to Henry [Searle], after which I practiced and practiced. Grass is good – when results are good, I am not going to say anything else.
“I am working really hard, and I give 100 per cent all of the time: in every single practice session, in the gym and when I am on court. I am happy but, like I say, I don’t want to stop here.
“I have a Junior Grand Slam doubles title, but I have an opportunity to do something special in singles here and, with everything that is happening in the world, I am just happy that I am here and competing – and getting good results.”
During last week’s J300 Roehampton, rap fan Demin revealed that a secret talent of his was somersaulting and he was more than happy to demonstrate. Should he triumph here at SW19, he will no doubt be head over heels in every respect.
Click here for a full list of results from the 2023 Junior Championships, Wimbledon.