In a year which saw Russian athletes banned from participating in sports, tennis included, Moscow-born Elena Rybakina, has become the first Kazakhstan player to lift the prestigious Wimbledon trophy, after defeating world number 2 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia on Saturday.

Rybakina,23, put on a very spirited performance against the favorite Jabeur who looked on course to claim the title after taking the first set 6-2

The number 23 ranked player, found her footing in the beginning of the second set, to win that encounter 6-2 before claiming the deciding third set by an identical score line 6-2, to lift her first grand slam title.

Rybakina who switched Alegians from Russia to Kazakhstan four years ago, was very shrewd in responding to questions about the heritage and the current situation with Ukraine.

When asked if she feels Russian she said;  “What does it mean for you to feel? I mean, I’m playing tennis, so for me, I’m enjoying my time here.

“I’m playing already for Kazakhstan for a long time. I’m really happy representing Kazakhstan.”

She however showed empathy for the Russian players who were blocked from participation as part of sanctions against the country for its invasion into Ukraine.

“I feel for the players who couldn’t come here, but I’m just enjoying playing here on the biggest stage, enjoying my time and trying to do my best.”

She also urged a swift end to the war in Ukraine.

 She maintained her wit  when asked about her residence, which is reported to be in Moscow saying: “I think I’m based on tour because I’m travelling every week.”

The tournament’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players resulted in world No 1 Daniil Medvedev among others barred from competition this year.

 The move was however met with resistance as the women’s and men’s tennis associations, WTA and ATP respectively, took an unprecedented step of not awarding rankings points to the players at the tournament.