Tennis is a wealthy sport, but some stars forged careers from humble beginnings. Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova, who fled as a child, now faces the Russian invasion while training without power. Her first-round prize money from the Australian Open is a lifeline, but she once survived on sandwiches at tournaments.

Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur started on a makeshift court in a school gym, as most courts were bombed. Novak Djokovic sheltered from NATO bombs in Belgrade and waited in bread lines. These players developed a resilience that former pro Daniela Hantuchova says is rare in modern tennis, where costs remain prohibitive.

The hardship often creates icons. Elina Svitolina was sponsored by a businessman, while Frances Tiafoe slept on a floor at a Maryland tennis center where his father worked. Now established, they fund charities and give back, with Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk using her foundation to popularize tennis amid war.