Why Wimbledon champ Elena Rybakina ditched Russia for Kazakhsthan

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2022

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Elena Rybakina created tennis history on Saturday by getting the better of Ons Jabeur.

The 23-year-old came from a set down to beat the Tunisian and in the process become Kazakhstan’s first ever Grand Slam champion.

Elena also knocked out former world number one Simona Halep and Australian Ajla Tomljanović on her way to the final.

However, this triumph has raised important questions regarding the link between sports and politics.

The background

World No 23, Elena Rybakina holds a Kazakhstani passport.

The Moscow-born Rybakina switched flags from Russia to Kazakhstan in 2018.

Dave Miley, tennis director at the Kazakhstan Federation said: “Lots of players are born in one country and represent another.”

“Cameron Norrie chose to represent Great Britain, not New Zealand.”

“Elena wanted to change her country and the International Tennis Federation approved it.

“Elena’s been representing Kazakhstan for four years and has a Kazakhstani passport.”

However, the irony of the situation is hard to ignore.

Due to the Ukraine war, Wimbledon banned all players from Russia and Belarus.

However, the Wimbledon champion is a player who was born in Russia and still lives there!

He jibed: “Elena lives in and grew up in Moscow.”

“The royal family will have to congratulate someone from Russia.”

Why did Elena become Kazakh

Kazakhstan became an independent country in the early 1990s, seceding from the former Soviet Union.

In recent years, the oil-rich nation has been on a mission to recruit Russian players to compete under the Kazakh flag.

This initiative has been spearheaded by Kazakhstani billionaire Bulat Utemuratov, head of the country’s tennis federation, who is worth nearly 4 billion USD.

The press call it the ‘Rent-a-Russian’ phenomenon.

Rybakina is not the first to make the switch.

Alexander Bublik, Mikhael Kukushkin, Dmitry Popko and Andrey Golubev, are some other players who were born in Russia but have swapped their passports to Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh offer is hard to refuse as it guarantees attractive financial incentives.

Elena has admitted that pursuing her sporting career was difficult for her family financially, until the offer came from Kazakhstan.

Elena grateful to Kazakhsthan

The big-serving Rybakina was cheered on by the president of the Kazakhstani Tennis Association from the players box.

Elena too, made a point of thanking him in her victory speech on Centre Court.

She said, “I appreciate because you came to support me in the semi-final and now in the final and it’s unbelievable so I want to say a big thanks and to the rest of my team.”

Asked if she still ‘feels Russian’, Rybakina said, “What does it mean for you to feel? I mean, I’m playing tennis, so for me, I’m enjoying my time here.”

‘I feel for the players who couldn’t come here, but I’m just enjoying playing here on the biggest stage, enjoying my time and trying to do my best.

‘I’m playing already for Kazakhstan for a long time. I’m really happy representing Kazakhstan.

‘They believed in me. There is no more question about how I feel. It’s just already a long time, my journey as a Kazakh player.

‘I was born in Russia, yes, but I’m representing Kazakhstan. I don’t know why we have to come back to this.”

Congratulations Elena for achieving your dreams, albeit under a different flag!

Tennis Icons Nadal, Murray, and Thiem Set for 2024 Farewell

Published

23 hours ago

December 31, 2024

Maadhav

Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Dominic Thiem announce their retirement, marking an emotional farewell to tennis in 2024.

Tennis Legends Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Dominic Thiem are preparing for emotional farewells as the 2024 tennis season unfolds. The trio, known for their incredible contributions to tennis, will leave behind a legacy that shaped the sport.

Nadal’s career includes an unparalleled dominance on clay, highlighted by 14 French Open titles. His relentless determination and unmatched fighting spirit have inspired generations. The Spaniard’s decision to retire follows persistent injuries that have impacted recent performances.

Andy Murray, renowned for his grit and resilience, has battled back from career-threatening injuries. He achieved remarkable milestones, including winning two Wimbledon titles and an Olympic gold medal. Murray’s retirement marks the end of an era for British tennis.

Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, has decided to step away from professional tennis due to recurring injuries. His powerful baseline game and mental strength will remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide.

The trio’s decision underscores the physical and mental toll the sport demands. As they prepare for their final tournaments, tributes from fellow players and fans pour in, celebrating their extraordinary careers.

The 2024 season promises to be a special one, with Nadal, Murray, and Thiem bidding farewell on their terms. Fans eagerly anticipate their final moments on the court, knowing these legends have redefined tennis excellence.

Their retirement highlights a transition period in tennis, with younger players stepping up to fill the void. The next generation faces the challenge of upholding the high standards set by these icons.

As the tennis world prepares for emotional farewells, Nadal, Murray, and Thiem’s contributions will remain an integral part of the sport’s history.

LATEST

Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff Shine as USA Defeats Canada

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2024

Maadhav

Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff shine as Team USA defeats Canada in the United Cup, showcasing their exceptional tennis prowess.

Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff led Team USA to a resounding victory over Canada in the United Cup. Their outstanding performances ensured the team’s dominance in this mixed-gender international tennis event, showcasing the strength of American tennis.

Fritz demonstrated his prowess by defeating Canada’s top male player in straight sets. His consistent serve and aggressive baseline play left his opponent struggling to keep up. This victory further cemented Fritz’s reputation as a rising star in the tennis world.

Gauff, equally impressive, secured a decisive win in her singles match. Her powerful groundstrokes and exceptional court coverage overwhelmed her Canadian opponent. Gauff’s growing maturity and skill continue to impress fans and analysts alike.

The doubles match highlighted the team’s chemistry, with Fritz and Gauff teaming up to deliver a thrilling performance. Their coordination and tactical approach sealed the win for the USA, delighting the crowd and securing valuable points for the team.

This victory emphasizes the depth of talent in American tennis, with players like Taylor Fritz and Gauff leading the charge. Their success at the United Cup signals a promising future for USA Tennis in both individual and team competitions.

Team USA’s win over Canada brings them closer to the United Cup finals. The tournament continues to be a platform for emerging stars and seasoned players to compete on an international stage.

As the United Cup progresses, all eyes remain on Fritz and Gauff, who are proving to be pivotal for Team USA. Their performances have not only brought glory to their nation but have also reinforced their standing as global tennis stars.

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Novak Djokovic Opens Up on Coaching Partnership with Andy Murray and Calls for Doping Transparency

Published

3 days ago

December 29, 2024

Jelan

Novak Djokovic has described his new coaching partnership with former rival Andy Murray as “strange” but “terrific.” The collaboration comes as Djokovic prepares for the 2025 Australian Open, a tournament Novak has won a record 10 times.

The partnership, which surprised the tennis world, began late in 2024. Murray joined Djokovic’s team to bring fresh insights and help the 37-year-old regain consistency at the highest level. Reflecting on the unusual dynamic, Djokovic said, “Being on the same side of the net is great for a change because he’s been one of my greatest rivals.”

Djokovic revealed that sharing personal insights with a former rival initially felt odd. However, he expressed gratitude for Murray’s acceptance of the role, adding, “He has a unique perspective on my game as one of the greatest rivals I’ve had. He knows the pros and cons of my game.”

A Temporary Collaboration

The duo spent 10 productive days preparing for the season, with Djokovic praising Murray’s meticulous and professional approach. “The 10 days we spent together were terrific,” Djokovic said. “He’s very dedicated and knows the current tour players well, their strengths and weaknesses.”

Murray will rejoin Djokovic for a training week in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open, starting January 12. While both players have expressed satisfaction, the partnership is temporary, with a decision on its future to be made after the tournament.

Reflecting on 2024

Djokovic’s 2024 season was marked by ups and downs, including a reduced schedule. His highlight was winning gold at the Paris Olympics, but his overall win-loss record of 37-9 and a drop to world No. 7 left room for improvement.

“I’ve had more losses and ups and downs this season than in previous years,” Djokovic admitted. He plans to play more tournaments in 2025 and aims to climb back up the rankings.

Advocacy for Doping Transparency

Addressing one of 2024’s major controversies, Djokovic called for greater transparency in doping cases. High-profile incidents involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek raised concerns about inconsistent handling by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

“We’ve been kept in the dark with Jannik’s case,” Djokovic said. “I believe in a clean sport, but I’m questioning the system’s inconsistency and lack of transparency.”

Despite frustrations, Djokovic reaffirmed his belief in tennis as one of the cleanest sports and advocated for fairness in how players are treated.

As Djokovic kicks off his 2025 season, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how his collaboration with Murray and his call for integrity shape his performance and the sport’s landscape.