Oksana Selekhmeteva is a tennis player with a unique story and a love for animals. Her journey to the top of the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz has been filled with challenges and triumphs. From moving to Spain at 15 years old to overcoming a career-threatening injury, Selekhmeteva's resilience and determination are inspiring. But what makes her truly fascinating is her passion for animals, particularly dogs and cats. In this article, I'll explore Selekhmeteva's journey, her signature shot, and her love for animals, offering a deeper understanding of this talented tennis player and her unique perspective on the sport.
A Life-Changing Season
Selekhmeteva's 2025 season has been a turning point in her career. After a strong performance at the Australian Open, where she reached the third round and earned her first top-30 win, she is now ranked No. 77 in the PIF WTA Rankings. Her journey to this point has been filled with challenges, including a left shoulder injury that sidelined her for seven months and a move to Spain at 15 years old. But her resilience and determination have paid off, and she is now enjoying a life-changing season.
The Grand Slam Experience
Selekhmeteva's win over Paula Badosa at the Australian Open was a significant moment in her career. She described the Grand Slam experience as "life-changing," saying, "The Grand Slam has a different feeling. It gives you energy. That's how I felt, but I just went, I enjoyed it, and when I left the court, I was crying. I just couldn't believe that it's happening to me because I know through how many moments -- injuries, tough moments, moving to Spain when you are 15 alone, it's tough."
A Unique Signature Shot
One of the unique aspects of Selekhmeteva's playstyle is her double-handed backhand slice, which has become her signature shot. She describes the technique as "weird," saying, "Everybody's saying that. The technique is kind of weird. They say it looks like I'm cutting something, like a jamón here in Spain. That's what they say that's what it looks like."
Selekhmeteva's love for the shot is evident in her words, "I like the shot, it's good. Sometimes to change the rhythm, it's good. I like to play aggressive." Her childhood coach noticed her natural talent for the shot, and she has honed it over the years, developing it from a young age.
A Passion for Animals
Selekhmeteva's love for animals, particularly dogs and cats, is a significant part of her personality. She owns a 3-year-old poodle and has a deep passion for helping homeless animals and cats. Her experience at the TEC Carles Ferrer Salat, an academy in Barcelona that blends high-level training with a broader social mission, has shaped her love for animals. "What was more close to me is to help animals, homeless animals and cats and dogs," she says.
While she was unable to bring her furry companion to Madrid for the tournament, she is open to the idea of bringing her dog to some tournaments here and there. Her dream is to visit a capybara cafe, and her love for the animal came from TikTok. She even has a small capybara on her tennis bag, too.
A Deeply Engaging Tennis Player
Oksana Selekhmeteva is a tennis player with a unique story and a love for animals. Her journey to the top of the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz has been filled with challenges and triumphs. From moving to Spain at 15 years old to overcoming a career-threatening injury, Selekhmeteva's resilience and determination are inspiring. But what makes her truly fascinating is her passion for animals, particularly dogs and cats. Her signature shot and love for animals add depth to her personality, making her a deeply engaging tennis player. As she continues to rise in the rankings and enjoy a life-changing season, her story is one that will continue to inspire and captivate tennis fans around the world.
