Eliakim Coulibaly’s Tennis Journey: A Tale of Resilience and Triumph 🌟
June 04, 2025
The rhythmic thud of a tennis ball against a wall is a familiar sound in the streets of Côte d’Ivoire. For Dieudonne Coulibaly, it meant everything. His son, Eliakim Coulibaly, is now ranked World No. 272 in tennis, but his journey to the ATP Challenger Tour in Africa is nothing short of inspiring.
From Côte d’Ivoire to the World: A Family Legacy 🎾
Dieudonne discovered tennis as a teenager, learning without formal coaching. Because of his efforts, tennis became a means of survival, allowing him to earn a living by offering lessons in Abidjan. Most importantly, his passion for tennis transformed into a legacy when Eliakim was born. Together, they nurtured a dream: Could a boy from West Africa break into the world of professional tennis?
“Tennis is not that famous in Africa. It’s all football, putting money on football. The infrastructure is not there,” Eliakim explained. However, this lack of infrastructure instilled in him a value: “You have to want it this bad.”
Overcoming Adversity: The Training Ground of Africa 🚀
Eliakim’s early years involved intense training sessions with his father. Though they didn’t have access to high-end facilities, these challenging conditions strengthened his resolve. “He was going hard on me because he wanted me to succeed,” Eliakim recalled.
When Eliakim was 13, he moved to Casablanca, Morocco, to train at an ITF high-performance center—a bold step toward a future far from home. During his five years there, he achieved a ranking of No. 16 on the junior circuit. His journey was supported by the ITF Player Development Program, which provides players from developing regions with competitive pathways.
The Role of the ATP Challenger Tour in Africa 🌍
Since 2020, Eliakim has been training at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France. The ATP Challenger Tour has been crucial for tennis in Africa, especially in Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan hosted back-to-back tournaments in April, making it the 95th country to host an ATP Challenger event. Eliakim’s experiences during these tournaments were transformative.
After an initial struggle due to pressure, Eliakim found his footing, encouraged by his father’s words: “I’m really proud of you. You tried your best and just focus on the next week.” His determination led him to victory, making him the first Côte d’Ivoire player to win an ATP Challenger title. Visit the ATP Tour website for more on these tournaments.
Perseverance and a Vision for the Future 🌟
Reflecting on his tennis journey, Eliakim emphasized perseverance. “Never stop believing, man. Never stop believing,” he said. “I come from fire. I come from Africa. Being an African person and trying to make it on the ATP Tour is difficult. But for me, it’s just discipline and never stop believing.”
Eliakim’s story is not only about personal triumph. His generosity extends beyond his family. He inspired a ballboy at the Abidjan Challenger to pursue his own dreams, showcasing his commitment to giving back.
In conclusion, Eliakim’s victory in Abidjan is just the beginning. “Yeah, I won my first title, but now that’s when everything starts. We’ve got to keep working hard, digging deep,” he stated. His journey is a testament to overcoming adversity in sports, reminding us of the power of resilience and determination.
For more on educational opportunities for children in Africa, see UNICEF’s education initiatives.
