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Other Russian-born players, including Alexander Bublik, Mikhael Kukushkin and Andrey Golubev – have also swapped to Kazakhstan.
In 2022, Wimbledon controversially banned Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament following the invasion of Ukraine, but reversed the decision in 2023. Currently in all grand slams, Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to compete but must do so under a neutral flag.
Born in Moscow, Rybakina represented Russia early in her career as a teenager, but made the switch to Kazakhstan in 2018, when she was 19.
In 2020, she told media financial difficulties made pursuing her sporting career challenging, and she changed her citizenship to Kazakhstan because “they believed in me”.
On Sunday morning, Rybakina reiterated her praise for the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation and said she was proud to represent the former Soviet nation.
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“It’s been a long time, and it was a tough decision and an important decision because I was junior and I had to really decide what way I take,” she said.
“I’m really glad Kazakhstan believed in me and supported me, so it means a lot to me to represent Kazakhstan, and looking over the years how much tennis grew and how many kids are playing now especially after my win at Wimbledon.
“This win definitely is going to bring even more kids hopefully to want to play tennis.”
Rybakina knows she’s not like other players.
The 26-year-old did a simple fist pump and walked over to the net with a tiny ghost of a smile after defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka to win her second grand slam.
Elena Rybakina poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning the Women’s Singles Final. Credit: Getty Images
“I’m not as expressive as other players,” she said.
“I’m not screaming or falling on the ground, but I was super happy even though maybe my facial expression was not that big.”
Rybakina walked along the Yarra River in a fire engine red dress with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in her arms on Sunday morning, beaming after defeating Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
“You’ll have to give me some poses to do,” she called to the waiting media pack and photographers, as onlookers in kayaks and boats waved and congratulated her.
Elena Rybakina has won her second slam. Credit: Getty Images
After three hours sleep, Rybakina politely declined a reporter’s request to recreate Jim Courier famous dive into the Yarra River.
“It’s been a long night, but I got the chance to speak with my family, which I’m super happy [about] and just a little bit of celebrate [celebration] with the team,” she said.
Bulat Utemuratov is investing big in tennis in Kazakhstan.Credit: Internet
Rybakina has previously spoken about her coach Stefano Vukov, saying his advice on court during matches “definitely makes a difference”.
The 38-year-old Croatian coach, who accepted a trophy as the winning coach on Saturday night, successfully appealed a 12-month ban from WTA events last year.
Vukov was suspended after a WTA investigation at the start of 2025 into a potential breach of its code of conduct, regarding “abusive conduct” and “abuse of authority”.
Details of the case remained confidential but Vukov denied any wrongdoing and Rybakina insisted he never mistreated her during their time working together.
Rybakina said she was grateful for her team’s support and belief throughout her Australian Open campaign.
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