Balancing Acts: Evgeniy Zukin's Dual Role as Tennis Leader and Restaurant Owner

For those connected with tennis, especially during the demanding Wimbledon season, the stakes are high. Now imagine managing that pressure while also running a restaurant and parenting three children.

I met with Evgeniy Zukin at the All England Club, where he was elegantly dressed despite the sweltering heat, cheering for Ukrainian players competing on the outside courts. Zukin, who once ranked in the top ten nationally as a junior player, transitioned from the world of active sports to academia, pursuing a Master’s degree due to financial pressures. Yet, his ties to tennis remained strong through coaching and umpiring various events. By 2013, he embraced the role of CEO of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation—a position he has held with dedication ever since.

While observing Daria Snigur’s match, where she faced a tough challenge against Ashlyn Krueger, Zukin reflected on the challenges his players currently face. “We have just one player left in singles now. Having seven women in the main draw is an amazing achievement anyway,” he shared with Ubitennis, noting the player’s elimination, yet maintaining hope for his remaining competitor, Marta Kostyuk, who has had a stellar season including a WTA 1000 title and a deep run at the French Open.

“Even though grass has never been her favourite surface, it looks like she is on a good wave. So she can get some good results this time,” Zukin observed regarding Kostyuk’s performances as she approached another match.

The Other Job

Just a short drive from the prestigious tennis event lies another facet of Zukin's life: he co-owns the OY Bar, located on Wimbledon Broadway. The restaurant prides itself on offering dishes crafted from local British produce with a continental flair. Despite the intense atmosphere surrounding Wimbledon, the restaurant operates every day, making it a hub of activity throughout the tournament.

When I inquired about how a national tennis federation CEO ventured into the food business, he revealed, “It was a bit of a crazy idea. I think everybody wants to open some kind of cafe or bar just to try themselves out in this business because it’s exciting.”

He admitted, “With my wife when we started it, it’s a challenging environment, let’s put it this way. But it’s really interesting. The more things you know in life, the more different things you do, the better. So this is another education you get.”

For Zukin, owning the restaurant isn’t just about business; it’s also a means of connection and community involvement. Following their escape from Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022, he and his family found temporary refuge in Tooting, London, where Zukin still resides. “It’s a socialisation for us as well,” he noted, underscoring the importance of integrating into their new environment. Zukin and his family are not only restaurant owners but also active members of a local tennis club, which provides further opportunities for engagement and building relationships.

Juggling these commitments—CEO of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation, running a restaurant, and being a father—takes determination. Zukin candidly remarked that he never tracks his hours at work. “We have two small children. I have three children. One is 16 years old, and the others are four and one. This is another big job to do. We don’t have any relatives; it’s just us and we need to manage,” he explained.

Keeping Ukraine on the Map

The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly impacted its sporting organizations, with restrictions on funding making it harder for entities like the Ukrainian Tennis Federation to sustain operations. Following the invasion, Zukin has had to navigate challenging waters, especially as reported by the UN regarding the staggering loss of life since February 2022. “We did have some donations from other nations and from the ITF, but now it’s almost all gone,” he explained, emphasizing the financial strain.

With little to no assistance from the government in recent years—receiving only minimal funds for national championships—Zukin's determination remains steadfast. “We need to keep Ukrainian tennis alive. Keep on going, participate in all the competitions we can, to show our flag everywhere in as many tennis arenas as we can,” he asserted, demonstrating his resolve to uplift Ukrainian representation on the global stage, especially in prestigious events like the Billie Jean King Cup and the Davis Cup.

Zukin's journey showcases a unique blend of tenacity, commitment to sport and community, and the challenging yet rewarding nature of balancing dual careers, all while reinforcing a sense of belonging and national pride amidst turmoil.