Elena Rybakina wins the women’s singles Wimbledon title, her first major and first for Kazakhstan

In her court interview afterwards, Rybakina’s first feelings were relief.

“I was very nervous before the game and during the game and I’m glad it ended,” she told Sue Parker on Center Court.

“I’ve never really felt anything like this. I want to thank the fans for the support, it’s been unbelievable these two weeks.

“But I also want to congratulate Ons on a great match and all that you achieved. I think you are an inspiration to everyone. You have a great game. We don’t have someone like that on the Tour and it’s a pleasure to play I’ve run a lot, I don’t think I need to do fitness anymore .

Rybakina added: “That’s right, I wasn’t expecting to be in the second week of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon. To be a winner is amazing. I don’t have the words to say how happy I am.”

“But I wouldn’t be here without my team of course, so I would like to say a big thank you to them. I want to thank my coaches, my sponsors, everyone. The most important is my parents of course, they are not here, so I am very sorry. My sister is here and this is the third time she has come in The tour is to watch so I’m glad she’s here. Without my parents I definitely wouldn’t be here. Thank you very much. Everyone so much.”

first steps

It only took a few matches from the first shock final match. Big-serving Rybakina, who only lost one set in the entire tournament semi-final, was broken by Jabeur in the third game to take an early lead.

And in Rybakina’s next service game, she had to save several break points as her chances in the first set seemed to falter, but she managed to avoid the energetic Jabeur.

A few matches later, after holding serve, Jabeur’s violent return and dexterity lead opened three set points to give her the chance to take the first set; She gladly took it with both hands.

However, despite his shaking in the opening set, Rybakina started the second frame strong. Behind her subtle returns, the peppy Jabber broke into the opening service game to the shock of everyone watching.

Leading early, Rybakina almost gave up her advantage soon after, as she needed to hold several break points before eventually taking the lead in two group matches.

And under the blue sky of London and the bright sun, the next few games passed very little between the two stars.

Both had to fend off breakout opportunities from the opponent to hold onto the serve as they demonstrated skills that defeated their opponents in the previous rounds.

But Rybakina once again broke through Jaber – who looked very strong in the opening set – in the second, to lead 4-1.

And with the group on the line, she rediscovered her usually devastating serving skills, having struggled early and decisively crunching the group to send her to the decisive set.

After a short break for the water and nerves to cool off, the tennis continued at high heat.

Rybakina once again broke the Tunisian to set the early pace, with the pair exchanging blows. And in a tight final set, it was the Kazakh player who got stronger and stronger, eventually taking her first Grand Slam title with another confirmed serve.

Not only did she become the first player from her country to win a Grand Slam title, she also became the youngest Wimbledon champion since 2011.

For Jaber, she was also looking forward to having her name engraved in the history books, after she became the first Arab or African player to reach the Grand Slam title.

When asked about inspiring young players back home, she joked, “Elena stole my title but that’s okay!”

“I love this tournament so much and I feel really sad, but I’m trying to inspire many generations of my country. I hope they listen.”