Australian Open finalist Elena Rybakina rejoices over "growing interest in tennis", grateful to fans and sponsors for support

Elena Rybakina expressed gratitude over the support from fans, sponsors, and her team just a few days after a highly successful Australian Open campaign for the reigning Wimbledon champion. The 2023 Australian Open finalist was particularly thrilled to witness a constantly growing interest in tennis.

Rybakina reached the final for the second time in three Grand Slam tournaments. While she won Wimbledon, she fell just short in a thrilling three-set final against Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open last weekend.

After taking a few days to reflect, the 23-year-old shared a heartfelt message for her fans, thanking them for their endless support, while also highlighting the contributions of her team and sponsors. Rybakina feels 'honored' to see an ever-increasing interest in tennis.

"Big arenas and big performances take alot of energy and at such moments, your support is so pleasant," Elena Rybakina wrote on Instagram.

"I feel that with every tournament, there is a growing interest in tennis in our society, and it is a great honor for me. My words of gratitude for the support are addressed to each of you.

"I thank my team, and my new sponsors represented by bank RBK @bankrbk, KAZ Minerals Group @kazminerals_official and Kazakhmys Corporation @kazakhmys_official for believing in my strength and unwavering support. Thank you."

Rybakina, who missed out on ranking points and a deserved jump up the rankings despite winning Wimbledon, made her top-10 debut on Monday as a result of her Australian Open heroics. The Kazakh tennis star beat three fellow Grand Slam champions in Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko and Victoria Azarenka, respectively, all in straight sets, en route to the final.

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Elena Rybakina makes quick return to action, set to compete in Abu Dhabi Open

Elena Rybakina in action at the 2023 Australian Open.

Just a week after a hectic Australian Open, Elena Rybakina is set to compete at the Abu Dhabi Open next week. The world No. 10 is seeded third for the WTA 500 tournament and will begin her campaign early next week. Rybakina is placed in the same half of the draw as second seed Belinda Bencic, sixth seed Beatriz Haddad Maia and former world No. 2 Anett Kontaveit, who is seeded seventh.

After the Australian Open, Rybakina also came out strongly in support of her coach Stefano Vukov as he was heavily criticized for his aggressive gestures towards her during the semi-final and final. While many slammed Vukov for disrespecting Rybakina, the player herself defended the Croatian coach and highlighted his valuable contribution to her rise.