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

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

Elena Rybakina and Shamil Tarpischev, Chief of the Russian Tennis Federation

World No. 23 Elena Rybakina scripted history at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships when she defeated Ons Jabeur in the finals to become the first Kazakhstani player to win the historic Grand Slam. Having lost the first set, Rybakina staged a brilliant comeback to win the next two sets and win her maiden Grand Slam title and etching her name in history forever.

Elena won the match 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and became the youngest champion at Wimbledon since Petra Kvitova won in 2011 and the first player since Amelie Mauresmo in 2006 to win the Championships coming from a set down in the finals. While it was a heartbreak for Jabeur who was a heavy favourite coming into the Championships, Elena came clutch in the important moments to get her hands on the Venus Rosewater Dish.

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

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Elena Rybakina switched nationalities in 2018

Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina

Elena was born in Moscow and until 2018, she represented Russia while playing in various events. However, due to the lack of support from the Russian Tennis Federation, Elena switched her nationality to Kazakhistan for better opportunities and support from the Federation in order to grow as a professional player. The decision proved fruitful for both Elena and the Kazakhstani tennis federation as the 23-year-old brought home the country’s first-ever Grand Slam title.

Hours after Rybakina won the Grand Slam, Shamil Tarpischev, the President of the currently suspended Russian Tennis Federation said, “It’s very nice. Well done Rybakina. We have won the Wimbledon tournament,” as reported by RNA, the state-owned media outlet of Russia.

Shamil’s comments can be understood as a taunt to the officials of both Wimbledon and LTA as, despite the ban on the Russian and Belarusian players, it was eventually a Russian-born player who won the prestigious tournament. Rybakina has however maintained her loyalties towards Kazakhstan and has been clear on the matter every time she has been asked about the issue revolving around the ban on her former compatriots.

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