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Yan GomerThe founder of Georgian tennis.
Date of Birth: 13.03.1898
Country:  Georgia |
Content:
- Jan Homer: The Father of Georgian Tennis
- Triumph and Training in Tbilisi
- Mentoring Notable Tennis Stars
- Tragedy, Repression, and Rehabilitation
- Legacy and Honors
Jan Homer: The Father of Georgian Tennis
Early Life and Tennis Roots in ChiaturaJan Homer was born into a family of lawyers and linguists. His father worked for an English manganese mining company in Chiatura, where Jan began playing tennis at the age of 13 and quickly became the city champion.
Triumph and Training in Tbilisi
In 1916, the family moved to Tbilisi, where Jan dominated the Georgian tennis scene, becoming an undisputed champion from 1918 to 1927. In 1928, he led the Georgian team to second place at the first Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR.
Mentoring Notable Tennis Stars
Homer played a pivotal role in training numerous talented tennis players, including multiple USSR champions Eduard Negrebetsky and Archil Mdivani. In 1937, he received a signed photograph from legendary French tennis player Henri Cochet, praising him as an "enduring and amiable maestro of tennis."
Tragedy, Repression, and Rehabilitation
In 1937, Homer's family faced tragedy when his brothers were executed, and he was sentenced to 10 years in labor camps and 5 years in exile. He was rehabilitated in 1956 and returned to Tbilisi in 1955.
Legacy and Honors
In 1998, a memorial plaque was unveiled at Homer's former residence, and in 2006, the JAN HOMER STADIUM was built in his honor. Homer is remembered as a pioneer of tennis in Georgia and an inspiration to generations of players.
