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Earlier today, Elena Rybakina stormed to victory over the Tunisian player Ons Jabeur in the women’s singles final at Wimbledon, marking both her first Grand Slam win and also the first for her country of Kazakhstan.
The match, which lasted three sets, saw Jabeur—who was widely tipped to emerge as the victor, and become the first Arab player to win a Grand Slam—power her way through the first set with a series of bold slices and drop shots that left Rybakina playing catch-up. But from the start of the second set, Rybakina settled into her groove, with her growing confidence (and extraordinarily powerful serves) seeing her take it home. By the third set, Rybakina had gained decisive momentum, and despite a thrilling fight back from Jabeur with the help of a breathtaking drop shot halfway through, Rybakina maintained her lead, eventually defeating Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Ons Jabeur hits a backhand at today’s final.Photo: Getty Images
“I’m speechless,” said Rybakina following her victory. “The crowd was unbelievable and I want to congratulate Ons, you are an inspiration. It was a joy to play against you. It’s an honor to play here in this unbelievable atmosphere. I didn’t expect to be in the second week. To be a winner is just amazing. I wouldn’t be here without my team of course, so I want to say a big thanks to them—and, most importantly, my parents.”
