The iron will of new Wimbledon champion Elena Rybarkina could well bend as the Kazakh ponders the enormity of her Saturday title victory over Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final.
The Moscow-born Kazakh is noted as a player who keeps her emotions in check both off the court and in the heat of battle.
But the 23-year-old ranked 23rd said that might be a problem when she gets some alone time to savour her success.
“When I was giving (the victory)Â speech I was thinking, ‘I’m going to cry right now,’ but somehow I held it.Â
“Maybe later when I’m alone in the room, I’m going to cry nonstop. I don’t know.”
A player not noted for any celebrations or display of emotion on court said she was slightly caught out when she wrapped up her 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in two hours.
“I didn’t know what to do, it was shocking. It was like too many emotions. I was just trying to keep myself calm.
“Maybe one day you will see huge reaction from me, but unfortunately not today.”
Rybakina added that it will take her some time to decompress and process what she has accomplished against all odds and expectations.
“Today I was too stressed out. I think I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should maybe. I enjoyed more the semi-final. I don’t know why.
“I think I’m going to enjoy for sure maybe tomorrow, when things calm down.I’m going to be around my close friends, family.
“For sure I’m going to remember all the memories on this day – but for now it’s stress.”
