Rybakina reigns serene as new world number one
NEW YORK: Elena Rybakina punctuated her rise to world number one with a US Open title on Saturday, but the Kazakh star at the summit of the women’s game remains an enigmatic figure.
Elena Rybakina solidified her position as the world's top-ranked tennis player by clinching the US Open title on Saturday, marking her rise to stardom. However, the enigmatic figure remains a mystery, with her emotions on court largely concealed.
Coco Gauff, who was defeated by Rybakina in the semi-finals, noticed Rybakina's seemingly nonchalant demeanor. Gauff commented on the nerves that are typically felt by players, but Rybakina's calmness sets her apart.
Rybakina's composure was tested when Russian players were banned from competing under the Russian flag, of which she is a citizen, while she was still relatively unknown. However, she chose to represent Kazakhstan, a decision that she justified as a tactical choice to hide her emotions and prevent opponents from gauging her frustration.
Rybakina, who was not originally aiming for a professional tennis career, has since become a three-time Grand Slam champion. She credits her coach, Stefano Vukov, for her achievements, even though Vukov was suspended for potential misconduct. Despite the controversy, Rybakina has managed to maintain her cool and collected demeanor, which has been a hallmark of her success.
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