Elena Rybakina has become the first Kazakhstani player to clinch a Grand Slam singles title, thanks to a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Tunisian world No.2 Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final on Saturday.
Elena Rybakina is the first player since Amelie Mauresmo in 2006 to come from a set down to win the Ladies’ Singles Championship.
▪ 0-40 down
▪ In the third set
▪ In a Wimbledon finalElena Rybakina then won five points in a row and never looked back 👏#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/34BldgqEo8
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2022
The No.17 seed and Jabeur, the No.3 seed, are the first players from their respective countries to feature in a Grand Slam singles final and the stakes were high for both in this historic contest.
At 23, the Kazakhstani power player is the youngest champion to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish at Wimbledon since Petra Kvitova in 2011.
Her victory ended Jabeur’s 11-match winning streak and also the Tunisian’s bid to become the first African woman and first Arab player to win a Slam in the Open era.
This was the first ladies’ singles decider at Wimbledon between two first-time Grand Slam finalists since 1962.
“It’s special because I was super nervous before the match (and) during the match and I’m honestly happy that it is over. I’ve never felt something like this,” Elena Rybakina said on court after being presented with the Venus Rosewater Dish by the Duchess of Cambridge.
"I've never felt something like this"
Believe it, Elena – you're a Wimbledon champion 🏆#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/2p4wPqwxLr
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2022
“I just want to say big thanks to the crowd for the support, it was unbelievable.”
She was generous in her praise of Jabeur, who was trying to become the first African woman and first Arab to win a Grand Slam title.
“I want to congratulate Ons for the for the great match and everything you have achieved. It’s amazing and I think you are an inspiration not only to young juniors but everybody.
“You have an amazing game and I don’t think that we have someone like this on Tour, you are a joy to play against.
“I didn’t expect I would be in the second week at Wimbledon. To be a winner, it’s just amazing. I don’t have words to say how happy I am.”
She made a point of thanking the president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation who was supporting her in her box.
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