Russian-born Rybakina eyes Wimbledon final despite compatriots' ban

LONDON: Moscow-born Elena Rybakina will attempt to reach a first Wimbledon final on Thursday (Jul 7), counting her blessings that she escaped the tournament ban handed out to her Russian compatriots.

Rybakina switched her nationality to Kazakhstan in 2018 to take advantage of greater financial help.

She now finds herself in the semi-finals at the same tournament from which Russian and Belarusian players were banned following the invasion of Ukraine.

The ban ruled out men's world number one Daniil Medvedev as well as two-time women's major winner Victoria Azarenka.

"Everybody wants to compete," said the 23-year-old Rybakina. "They were not choosing where they born. Of course, I feel for them."

She admitted she was fortunate to have switched to representing Kazakhstan.

"I think it was very good timing because Kazakhstan were looking for players. I was looking for some help. They believed in me. So I think it was very good combination."

Standing at 1.84m, world number 23 Rybakina is the big-hitting star of the women's tournament, firing an event-leading 44 aces over five rounds so far.

On Thursday, she faces Simona Halep, who hopes to recreate the "perfect match" that delivered the 2019 Wimbledon title.

The former world number one from Romania collected her second Grand Slam crown at the All England Club three years ago.

Her first was at the French Open in 2018.

However, a calf injury ruled her out of the 2021 tournament, sidelining her for three months.

"That was the perfect match of my life," said 30-year-old Halep as she reflected on the 2019 Wimbledon final, where she defeated Serena Williams for the loss of just four games.

"Now I'm playing really well. I'm feeling confident that I feel the game the way I felt back then. Yeah, only