President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a meeting with Kazakhstani tennis player Elena Rybakina, congratulating her on her achievements, reports infohub.kz.
According to the presidential press service, the head of state congratulated Elena Rybakina on her triumph at the US Open and her status as world No. 1 in tennis, noting the historic significance of this success and her invaluable contribution to the development of Kazakhstani sports.
"After your victories, our children are showing interest in tennis, enrolling in sections in large numbers, and wanting to become champions too. You set a positive example for our children, and that is very good. Our children should get involved in sports; it is extremely important for their future. Three victories at Grand Slam tournaments will forever remain in the annals of tennis. I believe you will not stop there and will continue your victorious march," said the head of state.
The president particularly highlighted Elena Rybakina's high personal qualities.
"You behave well on the court and in your interactions with people. I always note your exceptionally high personal culture. This is also very important, including from the standpoint of presenting Kazakhstan as a developed and civilized state where sports, and tennis in particular, are supported," emphasized Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
For her part, Elena Rybakina expressed sincere gratitude to the head of state for his personal support and for the special attention he pays to the development of tennis in Kazakhstan.
The world No. 1 said she is very proud to represent Kazakhstan on the international stage. She intends to continue achieving high results, delighting domestic fans with her victories.
In addition, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Elena Rybakina the Order of Barys, III degree, for her outstanding sporting achievements and great contribution to the development and popularization of tennis in Kazakhstan.
Recall that Elena Rybakina became the champion of the season's final major and won her third Grand Slam title. Following the US Open, Rybakina made her debut as world No. 1.