Remember Coco Gauff’s parents’ emotional moment during her victory at the U.S. Open last year? “Today was the first time I’ve ever seen my dad cry,” Gauff said later. However, in the case of her WTA colleague Elena Rybakina, the picture was a bit different at Wimbledon 2022, where she won her maiden title. While Rybakina stood alone on the court, lifting the trophy, questions arose: did she share this moment of a lifetime with her parents in the stands too?

When 23-year-old Rybakina defeated Ons Jabeur at the All England Club’s Centre Court, she created history as the first Kazakhstani to achieve this feat. “I’ve never felt something like this,” an overwhelmed Rybakina said after the match. Nevertheless, she had one regret after the match: the absence of her parents in the stands. 

Her father, Andrei Rybakina, who introduced her to tennis at the age of six, could not watch his daughter win her career’s greatest victory in London. Similarly, her mother, Ekaterina Rybakina, referring to whom the Kazakhstani No. 1 player once said, “She’s the one who helps me a lot,” was also not there to witness the historic moment.

According to sources, both her parents, residing in Moscow, were not able to fly to London during that time. However, for Rybakina, they were always present in her thoughts! Therefore, when a reporter asked her about her parents’ reaction to her win, Rybakina managed to utter two words, “Super proud,” after which tears rolled down the former World No. 3’s eyes.

Later on, she explained, “My parents sacrificed a lot of their time and everything. Even though they didn’t know that I’m going to be a professional tennis player, they always believed in me, supported, just because they saw how much fun and how I’m enjoying my practices after school.” However, after few months, when she participated in the Australian Open, Elena Rybakina fulfilled her wish and brought her family to the game. 

Stating her excitement at this, she said, “It’s the first time they’re all together here. I’m super happy that we can spend evenings together and they can watch me live.” While her parents may be less visible in the stands, their unwavering dedication has been instrumental in her journey to professional tennis. She frequently acknowledges their tireless efforts, from her early days to the pivotal decision to pursue a professional career. “My parents did a really good decision and help me a lot,” she once admitted. Interestingly, not her parents, but Rybakina’s sister’s appearance at Wimbledon has added an extra layer of intrigue for fans this season.

Rybakina’s sister’s rollercoaster of emotions at Wimbledon

Raising the bar of expectations of her fans, Elena is now only two steps away from reclaiming her title at Wimbledon this season! As she battled through her quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina, apart from her performance, her sister, Anna’s presence in the stands grabbed fans’ attention. While the 25-year-old was phenomenal in her serves and sealed a victory against the Ukrainian player, her sister’s facial expressions lightened up fans’ mood. 

In some pictures, she was seen closing her eyes, in others, she has her mouth wide open in tension. But this is not the first time! Elena’s elder sister is often found supporting her during her matches. Even away from the spotlight, both often share their “sibling time” as well. Speaking about it, last year, Rybakina said, “She’s very positive. Also a lot of energy from her. I think she’s also helping, especially if you have a bad day or something, she’s the one always positive. So it’s good.”

As Elena Rybakina gears up for a semifinal match at Wimbledon, hopefully we will not only get to see her sister but also her parents in the stands!