Elena Rybakina is a picture of calm amidst the storm! The 24-year-old displays a superb balancing act on the court, as she thrives at managing her emotions and keeping her opponents guessing. Her affection for her furry friends, on the other hand, shows a distinct side of her. Wimbledon just released a clip showcasing Rybakina’s silly and joyous moments, giving fans a peek at the happier, lighter sides of her life away from the game of tennis.

The video takes us back to Wimbledon 2022 when Rybakina surprised the crowd, her opponent, but most of all herself with the victory. After defeating Ons Jabeur of Tunisia to win Wimbledon for her country’s first major WTA championship and earn her maiden Grand Slam victory, Rybakina was greeted with acclaim and shouts upon her return, but she also got a unique surprise: a sleeping puppy named after her!

The caption of Wimbledon’s Instagram post reads, “Elena Rybakina: the heart of a Champion.” Not only is the Kazakh player welcomed with cheers at the first major WTA title win for the country but also a drowsy dog named “Champion.” Clearly, Rybakina’s love for dogs is well-known! Outside of tennis, not only does the World No. 4 like to travel but she also loves animals. Rybakina even has a pet beagle of her own.

She reportedly said in a Wimbledon interview, “I love animals, I have a dog, a beagle name Mulia.” Rybakina also visits dog shelters and posted about a visit to one called Angel’s Heart in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, in 2021.

As if that wasn’t enough proof, after Rybakina won the 2023 Australian Open semis against Victoria Azarenka, the 24-year-old was happily hanging out with a WTA teammate’s dog rather than celebrating. Tofu, Daria Saville’s dog, and Elena Rybakina, seemed to be fast friends already!

So a meeting with a dog after being welcomed back to the country she’s proud to play for, meeting ‘Champion’ was the perfect gift for the animal lover. A sweet photo of Rybakina holding her new furry friend, who was soundly asleep in her hands, was posted on Wimbledon’s official Instagram page in 2022.

The picture’s caption, which celebrated both her incredible win and the cute new addition to her life, read, “Now we have two champions on stage.” Rybakina was understandably ecstatic to receive this sweet surprise after winning her first Grand Slam championship at Wimbledon. However, she carries a different personality on court, to keep her opponent confused about her next move, carrying a calmer personality.

Elena Rybakina talks about her keeping a calm demeanor

The Kazakhstani player says she’s a composed individual who tries to keep a straight face when playing. She is only 24 years old, but she has already mastered the ability to control her emotions to keep her opponents guessing. Her calm exterior conceals a tremendous competitive attitude, which helps her remain tactically and strategically focused during games.

In a conversation with Mind Set Win podcast, she said, “I’m trying to be calm and not show if I’m upset or angry – no matter the situation. It helps me and maybe also sometimes confuses the opponents, especially in the beginning when nobody knew me. It took them longer to figure out my weak spots.”

On her way to obliterate competition, more animals might await Elena Rybakina after her wins!