"Another outstanding achievement”: Kazakhstan President hails Rybakina’s Australian Open victory

Elena Rybakina received congratulations from none other than the President of Kazakhstan, who praised her on social media after she claimed her second Grand Slam title in the final this Saturday at the Australian Open.

The new world No. 3 defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, marking her 10th consecutive top-10 victory. She is the first player to win the title in Melbourne by defeating three top-6 opponents since Maria Sharapova did it in 2008.

Another interesting statistic from Rybakina’s triumph was her outstanding performance against reigning world No. 1 players. In 15 encounters, the 26-year-old player secured victory in 9 of them (60%), a figure higher than any other player in the Open Era – above Serena Williams (58.6%) and Steffi Graf (57.9%) – the only ones to have achieved more than 50% of wins.

Rybakina advanced a couple of positions to world No. 3, equaling her best historical ranking first achieved back in 2023, as well as winning her second major title after 3 years and 6 months. The Moscow-born player – who represents the flag of Kazakhstan early in her career – is the only Kazakh player to lift a Grand Slam trophy, and now achieves it for the second time.

While the tennis world celebrated her outstanding performance in the final, Rybakina was also honored in her country by none other than the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who posted on social media celebrating Rybakina’s triumph in Melbourne.

“I sincerely congratulate you on another outstanding sporting achievement – a brilliant and convincing victory at the Australian Open tennis championship,” he posted on the official account of the Press Office of the President. “Once again, you have clearly demonstrated your impeccable technique and strong will to win, achieving a result that has earned the admiration of the entire global tennis community.”

“I wish you further sporting successes and new victories at the world’s most prestigious tournaments.”

Rybakina had previously reached the Australian Open final three years ago, facing the same rival, Aryna Sabalenka – who at that moment was pursuing her first Grand Slam title, against a Rybakina who a few months earlier had surprised the world by winning the Wimbledon title.

In 2023 – just like this time – Rybakina started by winning the first set 6-4 and taking an early lead against Sabalenka. However, the Belarusian responded and turned the match around to take the victory in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4). It was Sabalenka’s first major title – and since then she reached the Australian Open final four consecutive times.

Rybakina herself recalled the 2023 final and reflected on how her own game has evolved, this time leaving home with the championship trophy. “Yeah, last time I was close, but Aryna played really well that match,” commented the new world No. 3 during her press conference. “I remember that she stepped in. She went for her shots. She was serving really well, and I think she was even risking a little bit because the second serve was going almost as first.

“I knew that today if I get a chance to lead, I will need to try also kind of some risky shots and just go for it. Not definitely wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies. Yeah, it is great, and again, it’s amazing to hold this trophy this time.”

The Kazakh will now wait for her return to the courts in a couple of weeks in the Middle East, when the WTA 1000 events of the season take place. Rybakina will compete at the Qatar Open and Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships – where she will join a lineup filled with all the top players of the WTA Tour and the entire top-10 once again gathered in a single event.