“After some years many kids actually want to try and play tennis”: Rybakina reflects on her Wimbledon impact in Kazakhstan

Elena Rybakina discussed the impact of her 2022 Wimbledon victory when she returned to Kazakhstan. The former world No. 3 became the first Kazakhstani tennis player to win a Grand Slam title and quickly became one of the most prominent athletes in her country’s history.

The world No. 6 was born in Moscow, Russia, and in the early years of her career, she competed under that flag. However, she switched federations in 2018—just after breaking into the top 200—and acquired Kazakhstani nationality. A year later, she won her first WTA title at the Bucharest Open.

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In her recent appearance on the Tennis Insider live podcast, the 25-year-old delved into the impact her achievement had on children in Kazakhstan and how interest in tennis in the country increased. "I feel like in Kazakhstan tennis isn’t that popular. After winning Wimbledon, I just remember everyone would speak about this achievement. When I came back, a lot of kids came," she said.

"Also, after some years, they were telling me from the federation the statistics of how many kids actually want to try and play tennis. So it was really amazing," she added.

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Rybakina had an impeccable run at the tournament, reaching her first Grand Slam final after defeating opponents such as Bianca Andreescu, Zheng Qinwen, and Simona Halep. In the final, she faced Ons Jabeur, who was playing her first Grand Slam final, but Rybakina—who wasn’t the favorite—shocked everyone by winning her first major title.

Since then, the 'Ice Queen' feels that she receives support at every tournament she travels to. "(I get) A lot of support during the year, no matter where you are. You still see some Kazakh flags. It’s just really amazing," she said.

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Rybakina represented Kazakhstan at the 2021 Olympic Games for the first time, where she reached the semifinals but lost to Belinda Bencic (who went on to win the gold). In the bronze medal match, she lost to Elina Svitolina, missing the chance to secure Kazakhstan’s first Olympic tennis medal. "In my first Olympics also, I came fourth. But there was so much support each round I played. It’s really a privilege. It’s amazing to feel such support."

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