“SHE’S FINALLY HOME!” — Elena Rybakina Receives an Emotional Hero’s Welcome in Kazakhstan as US Open Champion Makes Her First Public Appearance, Getting Mobbed by Excited Fans and Reporters in Incredible Scenes
The World No. 1, Elena Rybakina, recently made a public appearance post US Open title victory, defeating the 2-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
As soon as the 27-year-old landed in Kazakhstan, she received a hero’s welcome and was felicitated with flowers by fans and officials. Rybakina, dressed in all-black Nike gear, paused to sign memorabilia and flags on her way. Fans sang songs in celebration as she walked by.
According to the post, Elena Rybakina was still recovering from the injury she sustained during her US Open campaign. In a recent interview, the Kazakh professional admitted that she was unable to move her body after she played through the pain of an Achilles injury at the US Open. Due to the same injury, Rybakina was forced to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open, but she managed to compete at the Flushing Meadows. However, after exerting her body and not getting enough recovery time, the 27-year-old will now miss the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, where she was due to represent Kazakhstan. She sent out an official statement informing her fans of the same.
Kazakhstan faces a major blow in Elena Rybakina’s absence at the BJK Cup quarterfinal
On September 23, Kazakhstan will open its Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign against Spain in Shenzhen. Without the World No. 1 leading the way, the nation will be represented by Yulia Putintseva, Sonja Zhiyenbayeva, Zhibek Kulambayeva and Anna Danilina.
Elena Rybakina’s next tournament matches will begin at the China Open, scheduled from September 30 to October 11, 2026. Following this event, the Kazakh will be participating in the Wuhan Open, slated for mid-October.
