Meet Elena Rybakina, the calm 23-year-old who won Wimbledon 2022: the Russian-born Kazakhstani tennis champ is known for her colourful Adidas outfits … and adorable animal Instagram snaps

Jul 13 , 2022

Elena Rybakina, Wimbledon ladies tennis champ – and animal lover. Photo: @lenarybakina/Instagram

Rybakina started out in gymnastics and ice skating, but couldn’t go pro due to her tall stature … now she’s made history as Kazakhstan’s first Grand Slam winner ever

The ‘shy’ and ‘calm’ athlete posts snaps of her dogs and the desserts she loves

She’s a fresh face who herself didn’t think she’d reach the second week at the All England Club, according to NDTV Sports … Meet 23-year-old tennis pro Elena Rybakina, who was probably better known for her staggering height or the colourful Adidas tennis dresses she wears on tours – until she became this year’s surprise Wimbledon ladies champ.

Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan kisses the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, on July 9. Photo: Kyodo

Russian-born, Kazakhstani Rybakina has been playing for Kazakhstan since 2018 and has become the nation’s first player ever – male or female – to win a Grand Slam, taking home the coveted Venus Rosewater Dish and US$2.39 million in prize money.

Elena Rybakina is Kazakhstan’s first player to win a Grand Slam. Photo: @lenarybakina/Instagram

And while all eyes are on her now, she’s not really comfortable with all the attention she’s getting, per The Guardian – although she says she’ll hopefully improve and get used to it.

With much to still unpack about the rising star, here’s what we know about her early life discovering tennis and what she likes to do off-court …

She is an animal-lover

Elena Rybakina encourages people to adopt from dog shelters. Photo: @lenarybakina/Instagram

On her Instagram are photos of her with various furry friends – including a kangaroo and its young that she met in Australia, as well as her dogs. “I love animals,” Rybakina said in a WTA interview. “I have a dog, a beagle named Mulia.”

Last year, she also posted about going to an animal shelter called Angels Heart, and wrote about how the dogs there are “very kind” and “need attention”, urging those who want to adopt a pet to pay a visit, too.

She’s 184cm – and her height sort of decided her career

Elena Rybakina measures 184cm, which stopped her from pursuing professional careers in gymnastics or ice skating. Photo: @lenarybakina/Instagram

When she was young, Rybakina engaged in gymnastics and ice skating with her sister. “Because of my height, they said that I cannot be a professional [in either gymnastics or ice skating],” she told WTA. “The group was split. One was going professional, another just for fun.”