‘She lives in Moscow….she’s Russian!’: Fans mock Wimbledon’s decision after Elena Rybakina win

Fans have taken to social media to mock Wimbledon‘s ban on Russian and Belarusian players competing in this year’s event – after Moscow-born Elena Rybakina won the Ladies’ Singles Final on Saturday.

The 23-year-old came from behind to beat Tunisia’s world No. 2 Ons Jabeur, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, under a blazing sun on Centre Court to win her first ever Grand Slam singles title.

With players from Russia and Belarus banned from attending these Championships by the All England Club – in effect, as a show of solidarity with Ukraine – Rybakina’s achievement has caused commotion amongst supporters on social media. 

Elena Rybakina’s title win has sparked discussion over Wimbledon’s ban on Russian players

The world no. 23 was allowed to compete having chosen to represent Kazakhstan in 2018

The world No. 23 was allowed to compete in the tournament despite the ban, as she switched to represent Kazakhstan when she was 19 after the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation offered her financial support.

Users are social media questioned the rules set by Wimbledon’s chiefs, with one fan writing: ‘Ironic that a tournament that has banned Russians from participating is won by a thoroughbred Russian woman born in Moscow.’ 

‘Credit to Elena Rybakina, who switched to Kazakhstan in 2018, but she lives in Moscow, her parents live in Moscow….she’s Russian! And she deserved her victory!’, another wrote.

Another user said: ‘Not sure if it’s funny or ironic that Wimbledon bans Russian players from this year’s event (resulting in the No. 1 ranked man not being allowed to participate), yet a player that was born and lives in Moscow, Russia wins the women’s singles title. Ironic?’

Men’s world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, who beat Novak Djokovic in the US Open final last year, was not allowed to compete in this year’s competition because of the ban on Russian players set by the All England Club. 

Fans on social media were quick to question the ban after Rybakina was allowed to compete

The 23-year-old came from behind to beat Tunisia’s world No2 Ons Jabeur (R) 3-6, 6-2, 6-2

With the 23-year-old living in Russia, along with her parents, the nation will be certain to claim the Grand Slam victory as their own. 

Pre-match the president of the Russian Tennis Federation, Shamil Tarpischev, had said: ‘It’s nice that Elena will play in the Wimbledon final, she is our product. Of course we will cheer for her.’

The player herself had made it clear she was here to represent Kazakhstan, and that she wanted Russia’s war in Ukraine to end.

Wimbledon was stripped of rankings points by the ATP Tour and the WTA in May after the tournament elected to ban Russian and Belarusian tennis players because of the ongoing Ukraine war.  

Men’s no. 1 Daniil Medvedev was not allowed to compete due to rules set by All England Club

Having represented Kazakhstan since 2018, the 23-year-old is proud of her heritage.

In an Instagram post last September Rybakina smiled while holding up the flag of Kazakhstan. 

She wrote: ‘For the first time the WTA 250 tournament will take place in Kazakhstan in a couple of weeks! 

‘I am very happy about this event and would like to say a big thank you [to the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation].’