Historic Leap: Hladun & Lazarenko Smash Into World’s Top 10 for the First Time Ever!…Read More…
In a moment that will be etched into the annals of beach volleyball history, Ukrainian stars Maryna Hladun and Tetiana Lazarenko have officially broken into the Top 10 of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Rankings—marking a monumental first in their careers and a giant leap forward for Ukraine’s presence in the global volleyball scene.
The duo, who have been steadily climbing the ranks since the start of the 2024 season, made their breakthrough official after an impressive run in the recently concluded Beach Pro Tour Elite16 event in Gstaad, Switzerland. Their bronze-medal finish at the high-stakes tournament catapulted them from No. 13 to a career-high world No. 9 ranking, placing them among the sport’s elite.
A Rise Fueled by Determination
For Hladun, 26, and Lazarenko, 25, this ascent has been anything but easy. The journey began over four years ago when they were paired together under the Ukrainian national program. From local sand courts in Kyiv to battling world champions on the international stage, their progression is a story of grit, resilience, and chemistry.
“We’ve been dreaming of this moment since we started playing together,” an emotional Hladun shared after learning of their new ranking. “To finally see our names in the Top 10… it feels surreal. But it’s also validation that all the hard work, the long travel days, and the hours spent perfecting every serve and spike have been worth it.”
Lazarenko echoed the sentiment. “We’ve faced injuries, tough losses, and a pandemic that put everything on pause. But through it all, we kept our eyes on the goal. This is just the beginning.”
Gstaad Glory and Momentum
Their historic rise came on the back of a season-defining performance in Gstaad. The Ukrainian pair stunned the crowd by taking down reigning world champions Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda) and Ana Patricia Ramos of Brazil in a thrilling quarterfinal match, showcasing not only power and precision but an almost telepathic partnership on the sand.
They fell in the semifinal to USA’s formidable Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss in a narrow 2-1 battle, but bounced back with a commanding straight-sets win over Germany’s Laura Ludwig and Louisa Lippmann in the bronze medal match.
The 760 ranking points from Gstaad, combined with solid finishes in Doha, Ostrava, and Espinho earlier this year, proved to be enough to launch them into the Top 10 for the first time.
From Underdogs to Game Changers
Just a year ago, Hladun & Lazarenko were still seen by many as underdogs—talented, yes, but inconsistent. That perception has now been emphatically rewritten. In the past six months, they’ve racked up multiple Top 5 finishes and have defeated higher-ranked teams with increasing regularity.
Their secret weapon? Chemistry and strategy.
Unlike many pairings that rely on brute athleticism, Hladun and Lazarenko have developed a tactical style that emphasizes placement, defense, and anticipation. Hladun’s laser-focused serves and lightning-quick digs complement Lazarenko’s commanding presence at the net, forming a near-impenetrable wall on defense and a relentless force on offense.
Former Olympic gold medalist and now-commentator Kerri Walsh Jennings described the duo’s rise as “one of the most exciting transformations we’ve seen in women’s beach volleyball in years.”
“They’re intelligent, disciplined, and fearless,” Walsh said during the Gstaad broadcast. “Every match they play, they learn and grow. That’s what champions do.”
A Milestone for Ukraine
The significance of this achievement goes beyond the personal for Hladun and Lazarenko. This is the first time a Ukrainian beach volleyball pair has broken into the Top 10 since the country began participating in major international circuits.
With the war in Ukraine still ongoing and many athletes struggling with limited access to training facilities, Hladun and Lazarenko have become symbols of hope and national pride. Their journey has inspired young volleyball players across the nation and brought a much-needed spotlight to Ukrainian sport in these difficult times.
The Ukrainian Volleyball Federation released an official statement congratulating the pair, calling them “a beacon of perseverance and excellence.”
“We are incredibly proud of Maryna and Tetiana,” the statement read. “Their dedication and commitment are an inspiration not just for athletes, but for every Ukrainian who believes in the power of resilience and unity.”
Eyes on Paris and Beyond
Now that they’ve cracked the Top 10, the next goal for Hladun & Lazarenko is clear: the Paris 2026 Olympics.
Their current trajectory all but guarantees qualification, barring injury or major setbacks. However, their ambitions don’t stop at simply qualifying—they’re now considered legitimate medal contenders.
“The dream doesn’t end with the ranking,” said Lazarenko. “Now we want to prove that we belong here, that we can fight for medals against the best in the world. Paris is the next mountain, and we’re already climbing.”
Global Recognition and Sponsorship Buzz
Their rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by the international sports community. Several European brands have reportedly expressed interest in sponsoring the duo, and their social media followings have more than tripled in the last three months. A joint deal with a leading European sportswear brand is rumored to be in the works.
Fans have embraced their underdog-to-elite story, flooding their Instagram profiles with messages of congratulations, admiration, and Ukrainian flags.
Final Serve
As the sun sets on another unforgettable tournament in Gstaad, the story of Hladun and Lazarenko shines brighter than ever. In a sport where consistency is king and partnerships define success, the Ukrainian duo has proven that belief, heart, and hard work can shake the sand beneath even the most dominant names.
From hopefuls to headliners, Hladun & Lazarenko are no longer just chasing greatness—they’re living it.
And as the beach volleyball world watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning.
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