Elena Rybakina scripted history on Saturday (October 8). In the final of the WTA Finals, she denied Aryna Sabalenka her first title in the event, with a straight-set win, becoming not only the first Kazakh but the first Asian to win the title.

Rybakina, for sure, has played a great role in popularizing tennis in Kazakhstan. Because of her achievement, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will be awarding her the Order of ‘Barys’ of the 3rd degree.

You have demonstrated the highest level of mastery and an unbreakable will to win at a prestigious tournament that essentially sums up the tennis year. I extend to you my sincere gratitude and heartfelt congratulations on this magnificent achievement, which will go down in the history of Kazakhstan and world tennis. Kassym-Jomart To

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