Elena Rybakina won the women’s singles final Wimbledon on Saturday, claiming her first grand slam title and the first for Kazakhstan.
Rybakina beat world No. 3 Ons Jabeur in three sets, coming from a set down to win 3-6 6-2 6-2.
The 23-year-old, appearing in her first grand slam final, started slowly but gradually found her rhythm and powerful serve to overcome Jabeur.
Rybakina, who was born in Russia but has represented Kazakhstan since 2018, was the youngest women’s finalist at Wimbledon since 2015 when Garbine Muguruza was 21.
But at the end of an enthralling encounter, Elena Rybakina lifted the Venus Rosewater Dish aloft as she was named Wimbledon champion for the first time.
In her interview on court afterwards, Rybakina’s first emotion was one of relief.
“I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I’m happy it’s finished,” she told Sue Barker on Center Court.
“Really I have never felt something like this. I want to thank the crowd for the support, it was unbelievable these two weeks.
“But also I want to congratulate Ons for a great match and everything you have achieved. I think you are an inspiration for everybody. You have an amazing game. We don’t have someone like this on tour and it is a joy to play against you. I ran so much, I don’t think I need to do fitness anymore.
Elena Rybakina added: “It’s true, I did not expect to be in the second week of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon. To be a winner is just 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 want to say a big thanks to them. I want to say thanks to my coach, 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 it is just the third time she comes on the tour to watch so I’m happy she is here. Without my parents I wouldn’t be here for sure. Thank you so much everyone.”
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