Russian-born Rybakina triumphs at Wimbledon (VIDEO)

Photo of Liam adamLiam adam2022-07-09
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Еlеna Rybаkinа, who represents Kazakhstan, outlasted Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon women’s final on Saturday.

Еlеna Rybаkinа won her first Grand Slam title after defeating Ons Jabeur in the women’s Wimbledon final in front of a packed crowd on center court at the All England Club in London on Saturday by a score of 3-6, 6-2, 6 – 2.

The 23-year-old Moscow-born player, who has represented Kazakhstan on the world stage for the past few years, started slow against third seed Jabeur but stormed the blocks in the second and third sets to achieve a sustained complete victory. by his wide range of powerful serves and a shrewd short game near the net to neutralize any threats his Tunisian opponent might muster on the stretch.

The victory makes her the youngest Wimbledon winner since 2011.

She certainly didn’t have it all her way. Rybakina started the slower of the two, with Jabeur – who was trying to become the first Arab Grand Slam winner – breaking Rybakina’s serve twice, while showing off his incredible ability to place dropshots just above the net and out of reach of Rybakina. .

But that’s where Jabeur’s dominance ended.

Rybakina’s unlikely journey to the final had been based on a stifling service game that came to life in the second set – but more than that, she seemed to learn her lessons from the first set and started predicting when, or more crucially where, Jabeur would go for tricky lobs over the next one.

The third saw more of the same. Jabeur certainly had his moments, but luck smiled on Rybakina, with more than one challenge in his favor late in the game. This was his game now, and everyone watching knew it.

Jabeur was not so lucky, unsuccessfully using the last of the challenges at the end of the third set as the match drifted away from her.

When victory came, Rybakina raised a lone fist in the air and became the first Kazakh to win a Grand Slam singles tournament, despite being born in Russia and representing her country of birth until shortly before his 20th birthday.

Indeed, the irony of a Russian-born winner at Wimbledon in a year in which players from Russia and Belarus are banned from the competition is perhaps one that will not have been lost on any of those who have been lucky enough to witness history in a crowded centre. Short – not to mention the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who was tasked with awarding Rybakina her newly acquired silverware.

« I was super nervous before the game, during the game and I’m glad it’s over to be honest. Really, I’ve never felt anything like this. I want to thank the crowd for the support, it was amazing these two weeks“, she said afterward.

« But I also want to congratulate Ons for a great game and everything you have achieved. I think you are an inspiration to everyone. You have an amazing game. We don’t have anyone like that on tour and it’s a joy to play against you. I ran so much that I don’t think I need to do fitness anymore.

« Thanks a lot. It’s just an amazing atmosphere. Thanks.

« It’s true that I didn’t 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 thank you to them. I want to thank my coach, my sponsors, everyone. The most important thing is my parents of course, they’re not here so I’m really sorry. My sister is here and it’s only the third time she’s come to see so I’m glad she’s here. Without my parents, I certainly wouldn’t be here. thank you very much to all.”




rt

Photo of Liam adamLiam adam2022-07-09
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