Elena Rybakina feels like she's 'not the Wimbledon champion,' says life as champion 'not the greatest'

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 0959 GMT (1759 HKT) August 27, 2022

Elena Rybakina answers a question during a media day before the start of the US Open.

(CNN)Just weeks ago, Elena Rybakina claimed arguably the most sought-after accolade in tennis: becoming a Wimbledon winner.

However, despite her momentous first grand slam victory in London in July, she describes her experience as a Wimbledon champion as «not the greatest,» saying she feels like she's «not the Wimbledon champion.»Rybakina's frustrations come after world ranking points were not awarded at Wimbledon this year in response to the tournament organizer's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Typically, Rybakina's world ranking would have skyrocketed after winning Wimbledon — she would have been expected to crack the top 10 in another year. However, the 23-year-old has fallen to No. 25 in the world. And speaking ahead of the US Open which begins on Monday, Kazakhstani Rybakina expressed her unhappiness at life since her maiden grand slam victory. Read More«It was my dream to win Wimbledon,» Rybakina told reporters in New York on Friday. «It's (a) pity. I feel like actually I'm not the Wimbledon champion.»Rybakina celebrates with the trophy after beating Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final.She added: «I don't think that it's fair. Of course, we cannot change it. It was a decision (made) before. I'm talking not only about myself, but just generally I think with all the decisions, many players are paying for all these decisions.»In one tournament I go and play against the greatest champion, (Garbine) Muguruza, and we play on Court No. 4. This is kind of like (a) question for me."She also lamented how her time as a