"I'm not really in agreement with that phrasing" - Rybakina shuts down Russian product claims

Elena Rybakina is Russian having been born and raised there however she professionally represents Kazakhstan having switched federations as a teenager.

Rybakina was fairly lucky to escape the Russian ban this year at Wimbledon and it's especially important because she ended up winning the event. Her win was celebrated in Russia and used as a propaganda tool by several notable people in the country's tennis community.

Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpischev, who made derogatory comments on the Ukraine War in the past, described Rybakina as a Russian product:

"It's very nice! Well done Rybakina! We win the Wimbledon tournament."

His sentiments were echoed by former grand slam-winning player Yevgeny Kafelinkov who wrote on Twitter:

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"Buying a ready to use product from the producer does not take a lot of brains."

Rybakina herself was reluctant to speak on the topic too much as it's a touchy topic considering the circumstances but also one she does not need to discuss. Upon returning to Kazakhstan following her Wimbledon win, Rybakina briefly commented on the Russian claims saying:

"The transition from a junior to a professional career is very difficult. A good team is needed. Not everyone is able to continue at professional level and achieve some successes. Only a small number (can) and in this way I am very lucky. So I am of course not really in agreement with that phrasing."

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