Elena Rybakina is now a Grand Slam champion for the first time.
The 23-year-old won the 2022 Wimbledon Women’s Singles Championship with 3 sets, coming off a set to win 3-6 6-2 6-2 to beat Ons Jabeur on Saturday.
Rybakina, the first player representing Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam title, according to ESPN.
Jabeur, 27, broke serve and went through his service games to win the first set, The Guardian reported. Afterward, however, Jabeur’s service play weakened with a series of direct fouls and she was unable to recover.
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In post-adjustment interviews, Rybakina said she was relieved that the adjustment was over.
“I was super nervous before the game, the game and I’m glad it’s over,” she told Sue Barker on center court, via CNN.
“Really, I’ve never felt anything like that. I need to thank the crowd for the support, it was those two weeks,” the player continued. “But I also need to congratulate Ons on a wonderful game and all he has achieved. “I think you’re an inspiration to everybody. You have an amazing game. We don’t have anyone like that on the tour and it’s a pleasure to play against you. “
“Being a winner is just incredible. I have no words to say how satisfied I am,” Rybakina said.
She added: “But I wouldn’t be here without my team, of course, so I have to thank them. I need to thank my coach, my sponsors, everyone. Of course, they’re not there, so I’m sorry. My sister is here and this is only the third time she has come to the tour to watch, so I’m glad she’s here. Without my parents, I wouldn’t be safe here. Thank you, all of you very much. “
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At the start of the match, Jabeur qualified the moment on aggregate, and entered Wimbledon as the No seed. 3, while Rybakina, the No. 17 seed, followed at No. 23. Saturday’s match marked the first final Slam for either of them. gamblers
Jabeur led Rybakina 2-1 in their last 3 matches. However, one of those victories came here after Rybakina retired due to injury.
Rybakina surpassed her ultimate ahead of Thursday’s ultimate, when she beat 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep.
Four years ago, Rybakina, who lives and trains in Moscow, Russia, gained her citizenship after receiving an investment from the Kazakhstan Federation, according to Sports Illustrated. Russian players were banned for this year’s tournament due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I pity the players who couldn’t come here,” Rybakina said. “But I like to play here on the biggest stage, my time and try to do my best. “
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Before the final, Jabeur reflected on Rybakina’s taste for play, according to Tennis. com.
“Rybakina is a competitive player. If you give him some time, he will take it,” Jabeur said Thursday. “He can play very well on grass because he’s competitive and he’s converting his pace. “
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“It will be an attractive game, but I will try to make his paintings difficult to score points,” he continued.
Jabeur said he hopes to spark interest in the game in his home country.
“I need to go further, motivate many more generations,” Jabeur said, according to Sports Illustrated. “Tunisia is connected to the Arab world, it is connected to the African continent. . . I need to see more players from my country, the Middle East, Africa. “