Kazakh tennis player Elena Rybakina, who won the US Open, has shared her immediate plans and intention to return home to celebrate her victory with her compatriots, infohub.kz reports.
TheTennisLetter published on social media X a excerpt from Elena Rybakina's press conference after her triumph at the US Open. The athlete was about to leave, but was asked to answer a question from a journalist from Kazakhstan. Rybakina returned and listened to the question.
The journalist asked what the tennis player would like to say to Kazakhstanis who watched the match and supported her.
"I just want to say a huge thank you for the support and belief in me. I'm not home yet, but I plan to come. I want to share this moment with all Kazakhstanis who supported me and followed the match. Especially with the children. I always say: so many children are now coming to tennis centers... they all want to play tennis, and that's wonderful. Let's celebrate this achievement together, it's important for the whole country," said Elena Rybakina.
Recall that the representative of Kazakhstan in the final defeated Belarusian Arina Sabalenka and became US Open champion for the first time. Previously at the American Grand Slam tournament, Rybakina had not advanced past the fourth round.
Rybakina's trophy was presented by Maria Sharapova — former world No. 1, champion of all Grand Slam tournaments, member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The champion thanked her team, family and friends for their support. She also addressed Sabalenka, who stood nearby and could not hold back tears when she gave her speech.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Elena Rybakina, saying that all of Kazakhstan is proud of her achievements.