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Paying it forward: Elena Rybakina funds 14 grants for aspiring WTA players in Kazakhstan

The Wimbledon champion approached the idea as a "good way to thank back."

ByBaseline Staff

Published Mar 29, 2023

As Elena Rybakina keeps racking up wins and rising up the WTA rankings, Kazakhstan’s first major champion hasn’t forgotten about the significant support she received along the way.

Paying it forward has been on Rybakina’s mind for some time. Following her quarterfinal win at the Miami Open, the reigning Wimbledon winner spoke about her desire to invest in the future of aspiring WTA players standing in the shoes she once wore.

“It was just big help for me when I started [as a] professional, from the Federation, so I was thinking that there is going to be good way to thank back,” Rybakina told press after defeating Martina Trevisan. “Also, I think it's important for the young girls to have some kind of support since it's not easy for everyone.”

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Added Rybakina, "In Kazakhstan, we are lucky because we have very good facilities. But also, it's not easy, you need someone to travel with. So I think the coach is very important [at] this age."

Added Rybakina, "In Kazakhstan, we are lucky because we have very good facilities. But also, it's not easy, you need someone to travel with. So I think the coach is very important [at] this age."

© 2023 Robert Prange

According to the Qazaqstan Monitor, Rybakina donated 35 million Kazakhstani tenge (roughly $78,219 USD) to promising talent under the age of 18. Upon reading letters sent by players detailing their stories, Rybakina decided to increase the number of grants to 14 (approximately $5,587 apiece).

The world No. 7 has won her last 12 matches, as Rybakina bids to complete the Sunshine Double in Miami following her Indian Wells title run. The No. 10 seed, who also finished runner-up at this year’s Australian Open, meets Jessica Pegula in Thursday’s semifinals at Hard Rock Stadium.

After her breakout performance in London last summer, Rybakina stated, “it's my turn to help the younger generation grow.”

She’s certainly doing that, for those waiting in the wings and herself.