Elena Rybakina’s 2022 Wimbledon triumph remains etched in tennis history, not only for her on-court brilliance but also for her understated reaction to winning her first Grand Slam title. As she navigates through another strong campaign at The Championships in 2024, Rybakina’s calm demeanor remains a topic of intrigue. The Kazakh star, known for her composed and almost stoic presence, once again addressed the memorable moment that went viral two years ago and offered a hint of what fans might expect from her in the future.
### The Viral Moment: A Celebration Unlike Any Other
In July 2022, Rybakina defeated Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final to claim her first Grand Slam title at just 23 years old. While the victory was monumental, her reaction was anything but conventional. Instead of erupting in tears or falling to the ground in jubilation, Rybakina calmly walked to the net, shook Jabeur’s hand, and then quietly sat on her bench, seemingly unfazed by what she had just accomplished. The subdued celebration sparked widespread discussion and quickly went viral, contrasting sharply with the usual emotional outpouring seen from players achieving such a milestone.
Rybakina has often addressed this moment, explaining that her outward composure doesn’t reflect a lack of emotion. “I’m not the type of person who shows too much passion or emotion,” she has repeatedly said, adding that her internal experience is far more intense than her exterior suggests. In her recent press conference after defeating Anna Kalinskaya to secure a spot in the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the third consecutive year, Rybakina was asked if fans would ever see her “roar” or display an exuberant on-court celebration. Her response was characteristically measured but hinted at the possibility of a more demonstrative future moment.
“I honestly don’t know. I think it depends a lot on the match and how it goes. For now, I didn’t have any crazy celebrations. So maybe one day, you’ll see, you guys,” she remarked with a smile, leaving the door open for the possibility of a more emotional display.
### Navigating the Pressure and Expectations
This year’s Wimbledon has brought a different kind of pressure for Rybakina. With Aryna Sabalenka withdrawing due to a shoulder injury, Iga Swiatek suffering a shock third-round exit, and Coco Gauff bowing out in the round of 16, Rybakina finds herself as the highest-seeded player left in the draw. However, she remains focused and refuses to let the increased expectations affect her mindset.
“Well, I don’t really think about this when I go on the court. Of course, it gives more confidence, but no matter what, there are still a lot of good players. I don’t really think about it so much,” she said. Rybakina’s grounded approach reflects her maturity and understanding of the sport’s unpredictability. She acknowledges the external chatter but emphasizes the importance of taking each match one at a time.
“It feels good, of course, if people think so,” she continued with a smile. “But it’s still far to go to the final. There are still a lot of matches in front. As I always say, it’s just match by match, and we will see how it goes. Definitely, I want to go far and try to win it.”
### Growth and Experience: A Different Rybakina
Rybakina’s journey since her 2022 Wimbledon triumph has been marked by significant growth, both on and off the court. Reflecting on her evolution, she acknowledged the valuable experience she has gained, which has made her more confident and better equipped to handle the pressures of high-stakes tournaments.
“Well, definitely, I changed a lot. I got much more experience. Before, going further in the draw, I was pretty nervous in 2022. Now I feel just more confident playing match by match. It is different, but at the same time, when you go on the court, you’re still nervous a little bit,” she admitted. This blend of experience and humility defines her approach to the game today.
She recalled her nervousness during the 2022 final against Jabeur, noting how much she has learned since then. “Now, with all the experiences, I just enjoy much more on the court. If I’m nervous now, it’s just a few games, not like it was in 2022 when I played against Ons and it was a full set where I just couldn’t manage my emotions. I was too nervous. And then slowly, slowly, I started to feel better.”
### A Historic Milestone
As Rybakina continues her march through the 2024 Wimbledon draw, her record at The Championships is becoming increasingly impressive. With a 19-2 win-loss record, she boasts a 90 percent winning rate at Wimbledon in the Open Era, a feat achieved by only a select few players. She now joins legends like Steffi Graf and Ann Jones in this exclusive club.
“I didn’t know about these stats. I know I’ve been winning a lot on grass. But it’s nice to be next to these names with these statistics. I think it’s great to be there and really happy I’m showing good tennis on grass,” she said. Her calm acknowledgment of this milestone once again underscores her focus on the present rather than the past.
### Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
As Rybakina prepares for her upcoming quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina, she remains focused on her goal of lifting the Wimbledon trophy once again. Her journey is not just about winning titles but also about personal growth, resilience, and staying true to her unique identity on the court. While fans may eagerly await a “crazy” celebration from her, Rybakina’s quiet strength and consistent performance are already leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
Whether or not she ever lets out a triumphant roar, one thing is clear: Elena Rybakina’s legacy is being built on a foundation of quiet determination, extraordinary skill, and a calm, unwavering focus on the journey ahead.