Russian-born Elena Rybakina calls for peace after reaching Wimbledon semi-finals

Russian-born Elena Rybakina called for the war in Ukraine to stop after she beat Ajla Tomljanovic to secure a maiden appearance in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

The 23-year-old won 4-6 6-2 6-3 on day 10 of the Championships to become the first player representing Kazakhstan to progress into the last four at the All England Club.

Rybakina was born in Moscow but switched international allegiance in 2018, meaning she is free to compete at SW19 this summer while players from Russia and Belarus are banned due to the invasion of Ukraine.

“I just want the war to end as soon as possible and peace,” the world number 23 said.

“I was born in Russia, but of course I am representing Kazakhstan. It’s already a long journey for me. I was playing Olympics, Fed Cup before.

“I got so much help and support. I’m feeling just the support of the people and very happy to represent Kazakhstan because I think I’m also bringing some results, which are very good for the sport in Kazakhstan.”

The 17th seed had flown under the radar during the first week of Wimbledon, but produced an impressive display on Court One to down Tomljanovic.

Rybakina struggled initially and lost her first set of the Championships before she found her game.

Three breaks forced a decider in the quarter-final tie and a hotstreak of nine games won out of a possible 10 saw her through.

Simona Halep stands between Rybakina and a place in the final.

On Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarussian athletes, she added: “I mean, when I heard this, this is not something you want to hear because we are playing sport.

“Everybody wants to compete. They were not choosing where they born. Of course, I feel it for them because everybody wants to compete at the biggest tournament, at