Elena Rybakina created history last year by winning the Wimbledon Championships. She became the first female player from Kazakhstan to win a major. And now she has yet another opportunity to create history. But everyone has some role model or idol to give them the necessary motivation to achieve their goals. And for Rybakina it is not the Russian tennis legend, Maria Sharapova, as guessed by a journalist during the match conference, but Roger Federer.

The reigning Wimbledon champion took down none other than former world no. 1 Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. And during the ensuing press conference, she spoke about her admiration for the Swiss Maestro.

Elena Rybakina chooses Roger Federer over Maria Sharapova

The 23-year-old became a surprise champion last year when she clinched the title at the SW19. Now, the beginning of the year seems to be going in favor of the Kazakh star as she takes inspiration from the incredible career of her idol.

In the post-match conference, when a reporter asked if Maria Sharapova was someone she looked up to, she clarified if their question meant if she was her idol. On getting a yes, she stated, “I would say I didn’t really have an idol when I was younger.” Detailing her daily life, she stated, “I was just playing tennis after school. I didn’t have much time to actually watch tennis.”

However, one player who won her heart was Roger Federer. She stated, “The idol was for me, like, and still Roger Federer.” Clearing her stance once again, she said, “From the women’s side, I would say that I like just to watch, if I had the chance, like different players. I won’t say from the women’s I had like an idol.”

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Showing consistent and strong gameplay, no matter who the opponent is, the player has completely imbibed her idol’s spirit. Now, she will face Aryna Sabalenka in the finals after defeating Victoria Azarenka in the semi-finals.

How did Rybakina’s idol come to the decision to retire? 

The resilient spirit and the top-tier tennis brought crowds rushing in whenever Federer played. However, the injuries along with his age became a hurdle to get through in recent years. He once detailed his last match, which made him realize that the inevitable decision to step away was near.

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It was 2021 and Federer was aiming to win his ninth Wimbledon title. During an interview at the Laver Cup, he detailed that in the quarter-finals against Hubert Hurkacz, he suffered a major knee injury, which made him realize he could not play anymore.

Do you think Rybakina can win her second Grand Slam title by keeping her idol’s spirit alive? Let us know in the comments below.