former US Open champion expressing admiration and pride for Elena Rybakina’s performance:
“Proud of Elena: A Champion in Every Sense”
As a former US Open champion, I know firsthand the grind, the pressure, and the sheer willpower it takes to stand tall on the world’s biggest tennis stages. That’s why watching Elena Rybakina these past weeks has been nothing short of inspiring. Her performance wasn’t just about the wins or the stats—it was about heart, resilience, and undeniable growth. And I couldn’t be more proud of how she carried herself on and off the court.
It’s easy to talk about a player when they’re holding the trophy, but true admiration comes from recognizing greatness in every step of the journey. Elena may not have walked away with the title this time, but she won something just as important: the respect of her peers, the admiration of fans, and the knowledge that she belongs among the very best.
From the first round, it was clear she came into this tournament with intent. Calm and composed, she played with the kind of quiet confidence that champions possess. Every serve, every rally, every break point saved—she reminded us why she’s a Grand Slam winner and a constant threat in the women’s game.
What stood out to me most was not just her physicality, but her emotional strength. There were tough moments—tennis always delivers them. But Elena never let the occasion rattle her. She stayed locked in, battling with the same intensity whether she was up a set or down a break. That kind of mental toughness takes years to develop, and in my eyes, it’s a clear sign of a player evolving into a complete competitor.
Her shot-making this tournament was exceptional—fluid, powerful, and intelligent. Her serve remains one of the best in the game, a weapon that gave her control in crucial moments. But beyond the numbers, it was her adaptability that impressed me most. She played smart tennis, adjusting her strategy based on the opponent and conditions, a testament to the hard work she’s put in behind the scenes.
Watching her fight through each round, I couldn’t help but remember my own journey. The nerves, the late-night practice sessions, the times you question if you’re good enough. Elena wears that struggle with grace. You can see it in her eyes—that fire, that determination. That belief that no matter what the scoreboard says, she belongs.
And let’s not forget her composure in the spotlight. Win or lose, she speaks with class, giving credit to her opponents and reflecting on her own game with honesty. That humility is rare and powerful. It tells young players around the world that success isn’t just about lifting trophies—it’s about the way you carry yourself, how you grow, how you come back stronger.
I’ve been around this sport long enough to recognize when someone is on the brink of something special. Elena Rybakina is right there. She may have come up short this time, but believe me, her moment is coming again—and soon. She’s a champion in every sense of the word, and her performance this tournament only reinforced that.
So here’s to Elena—not just for her skill, but for her spirit. For showing us that true strength lies not only in how hard you hit a ball, but in how deeply you believe in yourself. I’m proud of her, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
The game is better with her in it.
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Let me know if you’d like to include specific match details or quotes from Elena or her opponent—it could add more depth depending on the context.
