“She’s a Russian” John McEnroe makes a snarky remark on Wimbledon as Kate Middleton presented the trophy to Elena Rybakina


“She’s a Russian” John McEnroe makes a snarky remark on Wimbledon as Kate Middleton presented the trophy to Elena Rybakina

Kate Middleton presenting the Wimbledon trophy to Elena Rybakina, John McEnroe

Elena Rybakina became a household name when she defeated Ons Jabeur to win the 2022 Wimbledon Championships becoming the youngest champion at the Grand Slam since 2011. Rybakina won the match 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to win her first major in her first finals appearance and also earned the distinction of being the first Kazakhstani player to win a Grand Slam title.

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Rybakina was the 17th seed and had won just one grass-court match coming into Wimbledon from the three matches she played as warm-up for the major. Her accurate serve and massive forehand helped her make merry on the surface which supports good service games and the ace leader on WTA Tour, having hit more than 250 aces while no other player has breached the 200-ace mark for the season, Rybakina just dropped one set on her way to the final and lifted the trophy with only two sets dropped throughout.

Also Read: “We have won Wimbledon” Russian Tennis Federation’s head takes credit for Elena Rybakina’s historic win

“Elena Rybakina’s parents live in Moscow”: John McEnroe

Kate Middleton presenting the Wimbledon trophy to Elena Rybakina
Kate Middleton presenting the Wimbledon trophy to Elena Rybakina

The one topic that has been however discussed a lot is the nationality of the player. Born in Moscow, Russia, Elena played for the country till 2018 after which she became a Kazakhstani citizen owing to better support from the federation as compared to the Russian Tennis Federation. While her parents continue living in Moscow, Elena identifies herself as a Kazakh citizen. With the Wimbledon banning the Russian and Belarusian players. Elena has faced many questions about it but has remained fixed on her stance.

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While Elena continues to speak of her nationality, John McEnroe made the comment that everyone was thinking when Rybakina was presented the Venus Rosewater Dish by Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and also the patron of Wimbledon. “I don’t mean to get into politics but she’s Russian. Her parents live in Moscow,” said McEnroe while commenting on the finals.

Also Read: “Poetic justice!” Tennis Twitter takes a jibe at Wimbledon after Russian-born Elena Rybakina becomes champion amidst the unjust ban on Russian athletes

Also Read: WATCH: “Cool as a cucumber” Twitter reacts to Elena Rybakina’s calm and cold celebration after winning her maiden Grand Slam title

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