Kazakh Kazakh Elena Rybakina of Russian descent won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon by defeating Tunisian Ons jabeur (2nd), 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, and 6-2 in Saturday's final. "I was very nervous before and during the game and it's over. Rybakina said, not being able to express her inner joy, "I've never felt anything similar."
To be honest, I was surprised to make it to the second week at Wimbledon. It was truly amazing to win the tournament. She added, "I don't know how to express my happiness." The 23-year old had never reached the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam tournament (Roland Garros 2021).
Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina was born.
She was born in Moscow and brings with her to Kazakhstan, which she assumed in 2018. This is her first major title for both men and women. She was accompanied by the president of Kazakh Federation, who was there to greet her as she climbed the stands to meet her family members, which included her sister and mother.
"Elena stole me my title, but that's okay!" Jabeur, on his part, tried to make fun of Jabeur's feelings. He admitted that he was "really sad" and that she "tries (to be) an inspiration for generations in her country". Jabeur was the first Arab player in Australia to reach the quarter-finals in a Major in 2020. He is also the first African player to play in the final of Grand Slam tournament.
Rybakina was struggling with her main weapon, service (0 ace and 58% of first serves). She was dominant in the first set, but also made many unforced mistakes (17 for 7 winning shots). She did not get one break point.
The serve started in the second set, which was a good thing for the Kazakh. This second set was dominated by the Kazakh, who passed 73% of her first serves (2 aces) and won more. After breaking at the start, she saved 4 break points at 2-1 and won her face-off. She then took the double break to win 5-1 and equalize the set at every point.
In the third set, Rybakina took Jabeur’s serve. She trailed 0/40 at 3-2 but she won five more points to move closer to the Holy Grail. Jabeur began to feel more nervous and distressed, while Rybakina became more determined. The Kazakh took the initiative and won the double break to lead 5-2. Rybakina was then able to serve the match.
