Elena Rybakina took the controversy away from the French Open organizers. As rain delays drew flak to the organizers earlier in the tournament, Kazakhstan received immense backlash from the media. She was hit with a crude response from a journalist, but now that everything has settled, we have insight into her unenergetic post-match pressers.

Elena Rybakina gave half-hearted answers after her round-one victory. To a question about her outfit, she said, “These colors I didn’t choose. It was the brand who chose for me so… some other questions?”. After beating Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-2, the world number 4 returned for a presser. Rybakina is also happy with her level, and shared why she did not have a great press conference: “I can play well on all the surfaces. For me the thing is always being healthy.”

Her comment was shared by tennis journalist Jose Morgado. He further commented that the 2022 Wimbledon champion said she is struggling with proper sleep and faces several allergies. However, she is feeling better now, which means we should hope for a good run in the slam. Rybakina’s answers in the first press conference eventually led to her second round post-match presser being canceled.

Aside from her media appearance being canceled, many scrutinized her answers and how she behaved with those asking her questions. Many came to her defense at the same time. Chris Evert was the most notable personality to stand up for the player, but her fans weren’t far behind when wanting to stand up for their favorite. 

Elena Rybakina has fans rushing to her aid after backlash from tennis media

Ben Rothenburg was one of the most prominent tennis journalists who talked about Rybakina’s presence in her first post-match presser. Rothenburg called Rybakina’s behavior “fundamental ignorance” when wanting to succeed in the entertainment industry. Rybakina fans were fuming after reading his comment and did not hold back when criticizing him.

As one fan claimed she is not in the entertainment industry, another joined them in claiming that she trained her entire life for tennis, which means there should be no pressure to be interested in pressers. On a video of Rybakina’s presser, Evert stepped in to defend her as she said, “What???? You call this snappy? OMG, you guys are reaching…”

The drama behind Elena Rybakina is withering as the player is giving better responses, and the media is not boycotting her anymore. However, media opinion will take a long time to change, and Rybakina has offended many. Can she win back their favor anytime in the future?