‘Much More Emotion’ – Chris Evert Reacts As Elena Rybakina Shows Rare Side After US Open Triumph
· Yahoo Sports
Elena Rybakina has caught the attention of tennis legend and 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert with her uncharacteristic demeanor after her triumph at the 2026 US Open. Rybakina battled past Aryna Sabalenka in the blockbuster final, denying the Belarusian the chance to claim her third consecutive title at the New York Major.
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Why Chris Evert Praised Elena Rybakina’s Interview After Her US Open Final Win
Just days before her opening match at the US Open, Rybakina was forced to retire from her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal against Iga Świątek due to a foot injury. With concerns looming over her fitness, the 27-year-old nevertheless produced a remarkable campaign at Flushing Meadows, capping off her run with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Sabalenka in the final.
Following her win, Rybakina joined Caroline Wozniacki and Malika Andrews at the ESPN desk, where she expressed shock and disbelief at having lifted the trophy despite her fitness struggles.
“I’m shocked to be honest. I have no words. I mean what a tournament. I was coming here a little bit injured. Not a little bit injured. And somehow, day by day, we were trying to find a way, adapting to all the challenges every day I was waking up with. And it’s just incredible. I can’t believe still. It’s, I mean, no words,” Rybakina said.
Having also attained the world No. 1 ranking with her quarterfinal win, Rybakina reflected on the sense of relief she felt before refocusing on her goal to clinch the US Open title. She acknowledged the nerves she felt before the final but took pride in remaining focused on the court.
“I don’t know. It was so much going on inside. But I feel like when I played for No. 1 ranking, it’s true it was a relief after because I achieved one goal and then of course whatever happens after you just try to play,” she said.
“Today was a lot of nerves too but I feel like I was more focused in the game and it was such a close match and yeah it’s crazy. I think that without my team it wouldn’t be possible at all and I will celebrate with them of course and with my friends,” she added.
Chris Evert tuned in for the interview, expressing her delight at seeing Rybakina’s rare display of elation and emotion following the win. The American legend also extended a warm message to Sabalenka, congratulating her on the thrilling match.
“Loved listening to Elena Rybakina on the ESPN desk with Caroline and Malika… She seemed so happy and over the moon, much more emotion and joy that we’ve seen from her in her past wins… she really seems to be coming into her own now. Congratulations to both Elena and Aryna on a great match❤️,” Evert posted.
Evert had expressed similar admiration for Madison Keys’ post-match press conference at the US Open, lauding the 31-year-old’s “class and respect” after her devastating loss to Zheng Qinwen in the third round.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.