It has been nearly four years since Elena Rybakina marked her Wimbledon victory with a modest lift of her right arm.
“Perhaps one day you’ll witness a grander reaction from me,” she remarked to the spectators then.
However, such an exuberant display is not characteristic of the composed 26-year-old.
Upon securing her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, the Kazakh player merely clenched a fist and subtly shook her head, reflecting a blend of relief and astonishment.
Nevertheless, her resurgence to the form that led to her initial major triumph suggests she might finally be prepared to consistently generate instances warranting more significant celebrations.
In recent years, the top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and world number two Iga Swiatek have cemented their status as the leading figures in women’s tennis, capturing eight out of thirteen major titles since Rybakina’s success at Wimbledon.
Yet, Rybakina showcased her capacity to close that gap by defeating Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4 in the Melbourne final on Saturday, after also overcoming Swiatek and the sixth seed Jessica Pegula en route to the championship.
“I consistently held the conviction that I could regain my previous form, yet we all encounter highs and lows,” Rybakina stated.
“There were times I considered I might never reach another final or even claim a trophy again.
“However, my team and I have dedicated significant effort, and during my less optimistic moments, they were always there to assist.
“Securing substantial victories against leading competitors naturally boosts your self-belief and increases your confidence.”
