The furor over the Russian-Ukraine conflict involved the whole world, and it did not leave the tennis world behind. Consequently, the Russian players were barred from representing their country at the Wimbledon Championships. However, a few things worked out for the Kazakh player, Elena Rybakina, who switched flags from Russia to Kazakstan back in 2018, as she claimed the Wimbledon Championships in 2022. But not everything was according to plan. Rybakina’s parents, who still reside in Russia, were unable to see their daughter lift her trophy at Wimbledon.

But as times have turned around, the Kazakh star’s parents are in Melbourne to see her play at the final of the season-opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open 2023.

And fans are curious about Rybakina’s parents, as we know very little about them.

Elena Rybakina’s childhood and parents

Elena Rybakina was born and brought up in the Russian capital, Moscow, where she spent her early childhood in ice skating and gymnastics. However, due to her tall stature, she was advised to switch to tennis, and it undoubtedly turned out in favor of the young player; as she won her first Major last year. But there was something/someone missing during the celebrations; Rybakina’s parents, who were unable to attend due to the Russian-Ukraine conflict.

However, when the newly crowned Wimbledon champion was questioned about her family’s absence and their reaction. The emotional Rybakina had just one thing to say: “They would be super proud.” 

Read More: Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina’s Father Responds After ‘Russian Product’ Comments

Rybakina’s low-key parents, Andrey and Ekaterina Rybakina, have never been on the stadium, watching their tennis star daughter dominate her opponents. But that’s going to change in the Australian Open women’s final. It’s going to be a family outing for the Rybakina family, as they are at the Australian Open, with Elena’s sister, Anna, to watch the World No. 25 battle for the first Grand Slam title of the season. Understandably, they are nervous as they are going to see the World No.25 in action for the first time.

Rybakina did point out the fact, that her parents are nervous for every match, and this is going to be the same. The whole family in support of the young Kazakh tennis player on her quest for another Grand Slam.

Elena Rybakina’s father comes out in her defense

Recently, when the World No.25 was called a ‘Russian product’, due to her switching of nationalities, her father shut down the critics and supported the Wimbledon Champion, by highlighting the reason for the change of nationality. Her father highlighted the Russian Tennis Federation’s inability to support Rybakina with the required facilities; prompting her to move to another nation, to keep her dream alive.

Watch this story – Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia admonishes her father for taking too many pictures.

Do you think Elena Rybakina will claim her 2nd Grand Slam title on Saturday? Do let us know in the comments!