Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina: "You wanted emotions..."
Elena Rybakina 's restrained jubilation was also a big topic after the 2022 Wimbledon final, but in the end it got emotional.
by Florian Goosmann from Wimbledon
last edit: Jul 10, 2022, 08:10 am
Elena Rybakina didn't squat like the great Bjorn Borg. She also didn't fall down or jump in the air like Roger Federer. Or raised both arms like Rafael Nadal.
Rybakina clenched her left fist briefly and took a deep breath, then she was already at the net to shake hands with Ons Jabeur. Who then laughingly explained in the press conference: "I guess I still have to show her how to celebrate properly." In general, however, according to Jabeur, it is pleasant to play against Rybakina because she doesn't freak out too much when you lose to her. And it's also annoying when the opponent keeps talking or screaming.
Rybakina was far from that. She played the final with great concentration, although she was as nervous as she admitted that evening. But when she picked up the pace, especially in sets two and three, and hit her first serves, there was little for Jabeur - who wasn't playing her best tennis.
Jabeur was of course a great loser. In Tunisia she is referred to as the "minister of happiness" and she is happy now, as always. "Like Bob Marley said, 'Don't worry, be happy,'" she said after shedding a few tears on court. But she is "a positive person".
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Rybakina on her parents: "They would be damn proud"
Rybakina herself explained that she is always so calm when she wins; she almost cried at the end of her speech, but then pulled herself together. "Maybe later, when I'm alone in my room, I might cry endlessly."
She didn't really know what to do either. "But maybe one day you'll see a strong reaction from me. Unfortunately not today," she said and laughed.
And then, at the end, she was asked about her parents. She hasn't spoken to them yet, but what would the reaction be? "You'd be damn proud," Rybakina said, bursting into tears. When asked by the press lady whether one should cancel, she said no. "You wanted to see emotions," Rybakina sobbed and tried to laugh again. "I guess I've kept them inside me for too long."
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