Tokayev honours Rybakina after historic US Open triumph
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated Elena Rybakina on winning the US Open and reaching the world No. 1 ranking, while recognising her growing influence on tennis and sport among the country’s younger generation.
ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has met Elena Rybakina following her historic US Open triumph, congratulating the tennis star on becoming the world No. 1 women’s singles player and recognising her contribution to the development of sport in Kazakhstan.
During the September 28 meeting, Tokayev highlighted the significance of Rybakina’s achievements and said her success was encouraging more children in Kazakhstan to take up tennis.
“Following your victories, our children have become increasingly interested in tennis. Many of them are joining tennis clubs and aspiring to become champions themselves,” Tokayev said, according to the Akorda presidential press service.
The President also pointed to Rybakina’s three Grand Slam victories, saying they would form part of tennis history, while expressing confidence that she would continue competing at the highest level.
Rybakina’s latest achievement marks a major milestone for Kazakhstan. Her US Open victory secured her first world No. 1 ranking and made her the first player representing Kazakhstan to reach the top position in the WTA singles rankings.
Tokayev also praised Rybakina’s conduct both on and off the court, highlighting what he described as her high level of personal culture and her role in representing Kazakhstan internationally.
Rybakina thanked the President for his personal support and for the attention given to the development of tennis in Kazakhstan. She said she was proud to represent the country on the international stage and remained determined to deliver further strong results for Kazakh fans.
The meeting concluded with Tokayev awarding Rybakina the Order of Barys, III degree, in recognition of her sporting achievements and contribution to the development and promotion of tennis in Kazakhstan.
The recognition comes as Rybakina establishes herself among the leading figures in women's tennis and as Kazakhstan continues to use the success of its elite athletes to encourage wider participation in sport.
