Hannah Klugman’s parents are Hannah and Libby, and they’ve played a key role in her tennis success.
Hannah Klugman has emerged as one of British tennis’s most promising young stars, capturing attention with her breakthrough performances on the junior circuit and her rapid rise up the rankings. Yet behind her on‑court success is a family deeply rooted in sport and unwavering support. Klugman’s upbringing in Wimbledon was shaped by her parents and her three older sisters, all of whom played a role in nurturing her athletic journey from a very young age.
Born on 18 February 2009 in Kingston‑upon‑Thames, England, Hannah grew up in the heart of one of the world’s most iconic tennis communities. She was raised in Wimbledon Village, a short distance from the All England Lawn Tennis Club, giving her a front‑row seat to one of tennis’s most historic tournaments year after year.
Hannah’s early introduction to sport was no accident. She was born into a family with a strong sporting culture that encouraged participation in a range of physical activities. Tennis quickly became one of the central passions in her life, thanks to the influence of her immediate family.
Hannah’s Parents: Libby and Robert Klugman
Hannah’s mother, Libby Klugman, and her father, Robert Klugman, have played essential roles in her development both as a person and as an athlete. From the earliest stages of her tennis journey, the encouragement and involvement of her parents helped set the foundation for her success.
Libby, a graduate of the University of Oxford, has balanced a professional background with a hands‑on approach to parenting. Keenly involved in her children’s sporting activities, she introduced Hannah to tennis when she was barely three years old. Matches against the wall or casual rallies with her mother at their local club instilled confidence and joy in the game long before competitive goals took hold.
Robert’s presence has also been integral, though he tends to stay out of the spotlight compared with his daughters’ rising profiles. He, too, has been supportive of Hannah’s athletic pursuits, accompanying the family to tournaments and offering encouragement. Together, Libby and Robert have created a stable and supportive home environment in which their children could explore their interests, build resilience, and pursue excellence.
The Klugman family ethos placed emphasis on sporting engagement and fun rather than pressure or early specialization. This supportive approach has been credited by observers as one of the reasons Hannah has maintained a grounded and positive mindset even as expectations around her talent have grown.
Highlights of Parental Support
- Introduced Hannah to tennis at age three
- Encouraged participation in multiple sports early on
- Traveled with her to tournaments to provide on‑site support
- Balanced athletic ambition with a nurturing home environment
Siblings: A Sporting Household
Hannah is the youngest of four sisters, and her siblings have been an important influence on her life both on and off the court. The names of her sisters include Alice, Mary, and Emma Klugman. Growing up surrounded by older siblings provided her with built‑in role models who were active in sport from an early age.
- Alice Klugman has attracted attention in her own right as a field hockey player, having represented England at under‑18 level. Her achievements in sport offered Hannah a tangible example of how to balance competitive intensity with team commitment and discipline.
- Mary and Emma were also involved in sport, with all three older sisters playing tennis at their local club in Wimbledon. While none reached the professional ranks like Hannah is now pursuing, their early engagement in sport clearly sparked her initial interest and sustained her competitive curiosity.
The family’s collective involvement in physical activities — from hockey and netball to swimming and running — meant that Hannah grew up not just with a racquet in hand but with a broader athletic foundation. This diversified background in sport likely contributed to her overall coordination, competitive instincts, and adaptability on the court.
Role of Sisters in Hannah’s Growth
- Mentored her in early practice sessions
- Played alongside her at local club events
- Demonstrated commitment to sport as part of family life
- Helped shape a healthy, competitive environment
The Early Years: Sporting Beginnings
The Klugmans were not a one‑sport household. From a young age, Hannah participated in a wide range of activities including field hockey, netball, swimming, and running. This broad athletic palette helped her develop balance, coordination, and competitive resilience before narrowing her focus to tennis during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
It was during the lockdowns that Hannah increasingly gravitated toward tennis as her primary sport. With local courts often empty and daily training more accessible, she made the decision to dedicate herself to the game more seriously. Her parents supported this transition, recognizing her growing passion and potential.
While many families struggled with the disruption of COVID‑19, the Klugmans embraced the opportunity to invest in Hannah’s development. Whether that meant drilling against a wall in their garden or navigating scheduling for various junior tournaments, the family’s commitment became a cornerstone of her athletic progression.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Like many young athletes with professional aspirations, Hannah has had to balance her training and competition with her schooling. Initially attending Wimbledon High School, she transitioned to online learning to better accommodate her rigorous competition schedule. Through it all, her parents have emphasized the importance of education alongside sporting goals.
This balance between academic commitments and athletic ambition reflects the family’s holistic approach to her upbringing. Even as Hannah pursued higher levels of competition, the Klugmans maintained a focus on ensuring a well‑rounded life for their daughter — a testament to their priorities as parents.
