Meet Armenia’s Tennis Star Elina Avanesyan in Los Angeles for a Special Event and Charity Dinner

Tennis fans in Los Angeles are in for a special treat this weekend as rising Armenian tennis star Elina Avanesyan makes a rare appearance in Burbank. Avanesyan, currently ranked 39th in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) world rankings, will be participating in a series of events on March 9, 2025, to connect with the Armenian community and inspire young athletes.

This exciting opportunity is made possible through the collaboration of Homenetmen Glendale Ararat and the Keron Development Foundation. The event promises an action-packed day of tennis, mentorship, and community engagement.

The festivities will kick off at 9:30 AM at the Burbank Tennis Center, where Avanesyan will lead a special tennis clinic for children. Young athletes will have the chance to learn from one of Armenia’s top tennis talents, gaining valuable insights into the sport from an international competitor. Following the clinic, spectators will be treated to an exhibition match featuring Avanesyan, an event expected to draw fans of all ages. Admission is free and open to the public.

Adding to the excitement, Anna Kachikyan from The Armenian Report will serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. A former tennis player herself, Kachikyan fell in love with the sport at the age of seven in Yerevan— the same city where Avanesyan currently trains and proudly represents Armenia on the global tennis stage.

In the evening, a private charity dinner will be held at Ca’ Del Sole restaurant in Toluca Lake. This exclusive event will offer attendees the chance to engage with Avanesyan in an intimate setting while supporting a great cause. Tickets for the dinner are priced at $150 per person, with sponsorship opportunities available at $1,000 for two tickets and $2,500 for four tickets.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Homenetmen Glendale Ararat and Avanesyan’s Tennis Clinic in Armenia, which is sponsored by the Keron Development Foundation. The funds raised will contribute to the development of young Armenian tennis players, ensuring that aspiring athletes have the resources and training they need to succeed.

Avanesyan expressed her excitement ahead of the event, stressing the importance of connecting with the Armenian diaspora and building a love for tennis among young players.

“I am incredibly excited to connect with the Armenian community and share this special moment together. A heartfelt thank you to the Keron Development Foundation and Homenetmen Glendale Ararat for making this event possible. I look forward to meeting young tennis players, sharing my experiences, and contributing to the future of sports in Armenia. Representing Armenia on the global tennis stage is a great honor, and I’m deeply grateful for the support that has made this journey possible,” Avanesyan told The Armenian Report in a statement.

Homenetmen Glendale Ararat, which is co-hosting the event, has been a cornerstone of the Armenian-American community in Los Angeles since its founding in 1978. Initially established with only seven volunteers, the organization has grown significantly, serving over 10,000 children, young adults, and seniors through various programs.

The organization offers structured after-school and weekend activities, including scouting, athletics, and cultural programs. By building values such as volunteerism, leadership, and teamwork, Homenetmen Glendale Ararat continues to provide a safe and enriching environment for Armenian youth.

This weekend’s event in Glendale presents a rare chance for fans to meet one of Armenia’s brightest sports stars and witness her skills up close. Whether you're a young aspiring tennis player, a sports enthusiast, or a proud member of the Armenian community, this is an event not to be missed.

For more information or to reserve seats for the charity dinner, please call 818-606-9400 or 818-389-9808.

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About Elina Avanesyan

Avanesyan was born September 17, 2002 in Pyatigorsk, Russia, to an Armenian family. Her parents are from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and moved to Russia in 1992 during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. She has a brother and a sister. In June 2024, it was announced that Avanesyan had begun the process of applying for Armenian citizenship and planned to compete under the flag of Armenia. She had previously competed in several junior tournaments in the Armenian capital Yerevan, winning four of them. In August 2024, Avanesyan became an Armenian citizen and began representing Armenia on the international tennis stage.

Since turning professional, Avanesyan has made significant strides in her career. In 2023, she reached the fourth round of the French Open, becoming the first lucky loser at Roland Garros in 35 years to advance that far. In 2024, she secured her first top-10 win at the Australian Open by defeating Maria Sakkari and reached her first WTA final at the Iași Open. By the end of 2024, she had solidified her position within the top 50 rankings.

Avanesyan’s journey continued into 2025, where she became the first Armenian player to reach a WTA 500 semifinal at the Mérida Open, marking another historic milestone in her career. With her determination and skill, she has quickly become one of Armenia’s most promising sports figures.