Elena Rybakina Opens Up About Feeling Like a “Non-Champion” Despite Wimbledon Victory…

Elena Rybakina Opens Up About Feeling Like a “Non-Champion” Despite Wimbledon Victory

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, recently made headlines with her candid remarks about life as a Grand Slam winner. Speaking in an interview, Rybakina expressed her struggles with fully embracing the identity of a Wimbledon champion, revealing that the aftermath of her monumental victory has not been as glamorous as many might assume.

A Grand Slam That Felt Different

The Kazakh tennis star achieved the pinnacle of her career at Wimbledon, overcoming formidable opponents, including a stunning comeback victory over Ons Jabeur in the final. However, Rybakina’s historic win came during a tumultuous time for the tournament. Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players in light of the war in Ukraine led to a controversial decision by the WTA and ATP to strip the event of ranking points.

For Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, this decision had unintended consequences. Despite the prestige of the Wimbledon trophy, her victory did not translate into the ranking boost traditionally associated with a Grand Slam title. This unique situation left her feeling like a champion in name only. “I don’t even feel like a Wimbledon champion because there are no ranking points,” she said. “It feels like it just didn’t happen.”

Life as a Champion: Not What It Seems

Beyond the lack of ranking recognition, Rybakina shared that her post-Wimbledon life has been far from the “dream” scenario that many imagine for a Grand Slam champion. Instead, she described it as “not the greatest” experience, pointing to the increased pressure, scrutiny, and expectations that followed her win.

“I thought winning Wimbledon would make life easier, but in some ways, it made things harder,” Rybakina admitted. “There’s so much more attention, and people expect you to win everything now. It’s not always easy to deal with that.”

A Path Forward

Despite her challenges, Rybakina remains a fierce competitor. She has continued to perform well on the tour, cementing her place among the sport’s elite. In 2023, she captured key titles, including at Indian Wells, and maintained a position in the top 10 of the WTA rankings. Yet, her reflections on life after Wimbledon highlight the mental toll that professional tennis can exact, even on its most successful players.

Looking ahead, Rybakina is focused on finding a balance between her ambitions and mental well-being. She is also vocal about the need for greater support for players navigating the pressures of the sport, particularly those who experience success at a young age.

A Reminder of the Human Side of Tennis

Rybakina’s honest comments provide a refreshing glimpse into the realities faced by professional athletes. While fans often see the trophies, celebrations, and endorsements, the personal challenges and sacrifices remain largely hidden. Her story serves as a reminder that even the sport’s brightest stars are not immune to feelings of self-doubt and external pressures.

As the tennis world looks toward the next Grand Slam season, Rybakina’s journey will undoubtedly be one to watch. Her resilience and determination to forge her own path, despite the challenges, make her not only a champion on the court but also an inspiring figure off it.