The president of the Russian Tennis Federation says Elena Rybakina, who became the first player representing Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam singles title, owes her success to training in Russia.
Rybakina, who won the women's singles title at Wimbledon on July 9, was born in Moscow and played in the Russian system until financial issues led her to switch her nationality four years ago.
"It's the Russian school, after all. She played here with us for a long time, and then in Kazakhstan," Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpishchev told Russian sports website Championat after Rybakina beat Ons Jabeur for the title.
Tarpishchev referred to Rybakina as a "Muscovite."
Rybakina, 23, would not have been allowed to play in this year's Wimbledon as a Russian because the tournament banned players from Russia and Belarus over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
She was asked during her post-match news conference how she would respond if Russia tried to politicize her victory.
"As I said in previous interviews, I have been playing for Kazakhstan for a very long time. I represented this country at the biggest tournaments, at the Olympic Games, which was my dream," she said.
"For my part, I can only say that I represent Kazakhstan."
SEE ALSO: Rybakina Becomes First Kazakh Player To Win Grand Slam Title With Wimbledon VictoryThere's been no official reaction from the Kremlin on Rybakina's Wimbledon success, but some Russian commentators have claimed her victory as a Russian achievement and a symbolic snub to the Wimbledon ban.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, was pleased to have its first Grand Slam singles champion.
"Kazakhstani tennis player Elena Rybakina has achieved a historic victory in the extremely prestigious Wimbledon tournament. I heartily congratulate this outstanding athlete!" President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev wrote on Twitter.
Kazakh media reported that Toqaev had a phone conversation with Rybakina after her victory.
Rybakina, was 19 when she switched her allegiance to Kazakhstan after the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation offered to support her with the cash she needed to continue playing on the Women's Tennis Association tour.
Rybakina said this week she feels like she lives on tour rather than in any one place. According to U.S. media, however, she maintains an apartment in Moscow, and on social media has referred to her home in Moscow.
After her victory on July 9 she climbed into the stands and embraced Kazahkstan Tennis Federation President Bulat Utemuratov, then hugged Yaroslava Shvedova, a former player who has become her mentor.
Shvedova was born in Moscow, switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2008, and won two Grand Slam doubles titles.