Reporter’s question reduces Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina to tears

Elena Rybakina broke down in her press conference following a historic Wimbledon victory, all thanks to one reporter’s simple question.

Elena Rybakina was reduced to tears in her post-match press conference and it had nothing to do with what she’d just achieved.

The Russian-born 14th seed claimed the ultimate glory when she toppled number two seed Ons Jabeur in three sets on Sunday (AEST).

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After dropping the first set, Rybakina turned the tables and dropped only four games as she stormed away with the victory.

Rybakina delivered a remarkably subdued celebration after becoming the first woman since Amelie Mauresmo to come from a set down and claim the Wimbledon crown.

But it was in her post-match press conference when the emotion took over after a reporter asked one simple question.

Molly McElwee, reporter for Telegraph Sport, asked the Wimbledon champion how her parents would react to her historic win.

Rybakina paused for a few seconds, before leaning into the microphone and getting out a short answer as the emotion hit.

“Probably they’re going to be super proud,” she said as her voice began to quiver.

The champion then put her head in her hands as the tears flowed.

The tears began to flow. (Photo by Joe TOTH / various sources / AFP)

Emotion poured out. (Photo by Joe TOTH / various sources / AFP)

A voice in the background could be heard asking “should we wrap up there?”, but Rybakina wasn’t done as she told the media in attendance “you wanted to see emotion”, bringing out plenty of laughter before applause broke out.

"They would be super proud" 😊

Elena Rybakina was asked how her parents would react to her being crowned Wimbledon champion#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100pic.twitter.com/HOKUL4pFfQ

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2022

Prior to her Wimbledon triumph, Rybakina had never got past the quarter-finals of a Slam.

While Russian and Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon this year following the invasion of Ukraine, Rybakina switched allegiances to Kazakhstan in 2018. She is the first Kazakh player to win Wimbledon and had previously swatted away questions about her nationality.

“I’m really happy representing Kazakhstan. They believed in me. There is no more question about how I feel,” the 23-year-old said prior to the final.

“It’s already a long time my journey as a Kazakh player. I played Olympics, Fed Cup.”

Rybakina opted not to discuss how much time she spends in Moscow, saying she trains in Slovakia and Dubai when not on tour.

“So I don’t live anywhere, to be honest,” added Rybakina, whose parents live in the Russian capital.