Western media’s obsession with Russia and its use to target tennis players in Australian Open went ballistic. Before Tennis Australia’s warning to Novak Djokovicon Thursday, tough teasers were posed to a few players like Elena Rybakina and a few other players too before.
Press conferences are moderated by the ATP or WTA at each tennis event and anything controversial is hidden. However, the media still finds ways to distort facts and frame questions. One of the smartest girls who handled the media with panache is Elena Rybakina, the hottest girl at the Australian Open.
Born in Russia, she moved to Kazakhstan many years ago. She holds a Kazakh passport and has repeatedly said that her birth in Russia has no connection with what is happening in a country that is currently at war with Ukraine. Elena Rybakina also faced this problem several times, including Wimbledon 2022.
At that time, she made it clear that her birthplace was Russia, but she grew up and learned tennis in Kazakhstan. The media keeps asking questions in all twisted ways, and she handles them the same way she would if she were hitting a winning forehand.
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The nationality of Elena Rybakina remains the greatest interest of Western media
Recently, Rybakina was asked at a press conference if she had ever idolized Maria Sharapova as she grew up in Russia. Sharapova later moved to Russia. The answer was clear and concise.
“I would say I didn’t really have an idol when I was younger, I just played tennis after school. I didn’t have much time to watch tennis. The idol for me was, and always Roger Federer. On the women’s side, I would say I just like to watch, if I get the chance, the different players. I won’t say women I had as an idol,” said Elena Rybakina.
This response silenced the critics and they just asked questions about pure tennis. More importantly, Elena was asked about playing a night match at the AO on Thursday. “Yes of course. I actually didn’t expect it to make such a big difference (playing at night). Yeah, it was a lot slower. The ball was heavier. It was difficult to move it .Of course, I had to adapt. Elena said.
She has a strong bond with her parents and is ready for the finale. “Yes, it’s definitely great for them. I mean, I haven’t even talked to them yet. I’m sure they are happy. They don’t often see me play live, so I think this time it’s already a big result. No matter how I play in the final, I think they are very proud and happy. said Elena, whose parents couldn’t make it to Wimbledon. They are in Melbourne.
Rybakin is aware that the tennis media may ask her difficult questions even if she performs well. The problem is that Russia continues to emerge as a hot topic. This becomes obsolete at some point, but when the media wants to do a biased, anti-Russian story, players have to deal with it. So far in her career, the Wimbledon winner has kept a poker face. This frustrates the Western press who want anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian quotes. Spare the tennis players, please.
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