London, England, July 9, 2022: Elena Rybakina became the first player from Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam title by beating Tunisian third seed Ons Jabeur in a gripping Wimbledon final on Saturday, July 9.
The 23-year-old Tokyo Olympian fought back to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and write her name in the success story of Kazakhstan sport.
“It’s just a history – it’s tough to believe, to be honest,” she said.
Born in Moscow, she began representing Kazakhstan in 2018 and thanked the President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Bulat Utemuratov, for his long-standing support.
Rybakina, who was seeded 17 at Wimbledon and is ranked 23 in the world, said the KTF President had attended the semi-finals and final and had been calling her to offer his congratulations and support for the entire two weeks. “I am really grateful for everything,” she added.
She also thanked the rest of her team, her coaches and her family and said she would not be here without them.
“I have been playing for Kazakhstan for a very long time including the Olympics, which is a dream come true.
“Today I could hear the support of Kazakhstan and see the flags. I am super proud.”
The Astana Times reported that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Rybakina during a telephone call, according to the President’s Telegram channel.
The President noted Elena’s skill, her will to win and her behavior on the court. He believes that her success will contribute to the development of tennis in Kazakhstan, and will attract more children to this sport.
Earlier, President Tokayev congratulated Rybakina in a Twitter post.
“Kazakhstan’s tennis player Elena Rybakina claimed a historic victory at the most prestigious Wimbledon tournament. I heartily congratulate the outstanding athlete,” wrote Tokayev.