New York City’s iconic Times Square came alive with joyous celebrations as tennis icon Elena Rybakina celebrated her 24th birthday in style. The defending champion of the Wimbledon title and Kazakhstan’s first major championship player, she received an exceptional birthday surprise with a video tribute played on the larger-than-life screens that adorn the famous landmark.

Rybakina’s rise in the world of tennis has been nothing short of meteoric. With a career-high ranking of World no. 3, she has proven herself to be one of the top competitors in the sport. Her victory at Wimbledon showcased her exceptional talent and determination, capturing the imagination of tennis enthusiasts around the world.

A birthday fit for a Champion Elena Rybakina

On her 24th birthday, Elena Rybakina received an amazing tribute that very few people can dream of. Sharing her journey to success, her birthday video was displayed at New York City’s iconic Times Square. Screenshots of her victories, iconic photos and memorable moments from her tennis career were projected onto the big screens, creating a visual spectacle.

As the video appeared on the giant screens in Times Square, people couldn’t help but be captivated by the incredible skills and determination of the talented tennis player.

A Journey to Recovery and new sponsorship for Rybakina

Elena Rybakina’s journey leading up to her birthday celebration was not without its challenges. Lately, she had been recovering from an illness that forced her to withdraw from the 2023 French Open. However, she refused to let adversity dampen her spirits, making the most of her birthday in Salzburg, Austria.

The Kazakhstani tennis sensation made a special visit to the Red Bull Museum, an establishment that showcases planes and Formula 1 champions’ cars. It was a fitting location for Rybakina, as Red Bull had also become her official sponsor since the French Open.

Reflecting on her partnership with Red Bull, she humorously mentioned how a little boost of the energy drink might have helped her with the early morning match. During her post-match interview, a journalist playfully inquired about the heights she could reach if her sponsor gave her wings, referencing her partnership with Red Bull.

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“I’m very happy to be with Red Bull. Maybe today I should’ve drank a bit of it before the match, because I played so early and it’s unusual for the past tournaments that I’ve played. It’s not easy to wake up! But, yeah, I’m really happy to be with them,” Rybakina stated after her second match against Linda Noskova.

As Elena Rybakina stepped into her 24th year, she did so with a display of her remarkable journey on one of the world’s grandest stages. With each passing year, Elena Rybakina’s star continues to rise, and the world eagerly anticipates witnessing her future triumphs.

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