Rybakina defeated world No. 3 Ons Jabert in three sets in the final, coming from a set down to win 3-6 6-2 6-2.
The 23-year-old, who was appearing in her first Grand Slam final, started slowly but gradually found her rhythm and a powerful serve to overcome Jabert.
Rybakina, who was born in Russia but has represented Kazakhstan since 2018, was the youngest Wimbledon women’s finalist since 2015, when Garbine Muguruza was 21.
But at the end of an enthralling encounter, Rybakina lifted the rosewater dish to Venus and was crowned Wimbledon champion for the first time.
In her interview in court afterward, Rybakina’s first emotion was relief.
“I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I’m happy it’s over,” she told Sue Barker on center court.
“I’ve never really felt anything like it. I want to thank the audience for their support, it’s been amazing these two weeks.
“But I also want to congratulate Ons for a great game and everything he has achieved. I think you are an inspiration to all. You have an amazing game. We don’t have anyone like that on tour and it’s a pleasure to play against you I’ve been running so much I don’t think I need to do the gym anymore.
Rybakina added: “It’s true, I didn’t expect to be in the second week of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon. To be the winner is just amazing. I have no words to express how happy I am.”
“But I wouldn’t be here without my team, of course, so I want to thank them very much. I want to thank my coach, my sponsors, everyone. The most important are my parents, of course, they are not here, so I am very sorry. My sister is here and it’s only the third time she’s come to the tour to watch, so I’m glad she’s here. Without my parents I wouldn’t be here for sure. Thank you very much almost everyone.”
First steps
It only took a few games from the final for the first shock. The hard-serving Rybakina, who had lost just one set in the entire tournament before the final, was broken by Jaber in the third game to take an early lead.
And in Rybakina’s next service game, she was forced to save many break points as her chances for the first set looked shaky, but she was able to fend off an energetic Jaber.
A few games later, after holding her serve, Jabeur’s tenacious return game and masterful agility opened up three set points to give her the opportunity to take the first set; she happily grabbed them with both hands.
However, despite looking shaken in the first set, Rybakina started the second frame strongly. Behind her own accurate returns, she broke a lively Jabeur in her opening service game to the shock of everyone watching.
After taking an early lead, Rybakina all but surrendered her advantage soon after, having to fend off multiple break points before eventually taking a two-game lead in the set.
And under blue London skies and bright sunshine, the next few games went by with very little between the two stars.
Both had to fend off break point opportunities from their opponent to hold serve as they displayed the skills that had blown their opponents away in previous rounds.
But Rybakina broke Jaber – who looked so solid in the first set – again in the second set to take a convincing 4-1 lead.
And with the set on the line, she rediscovered her usually devastating serve skills after struggling early on, winning the set emphatically to send it to a decider.
After a short break for water and to calm the nerves, the tennis continued at a fever pitch.
Rybakina again broke the Tunisian to set the early pace as the pair traded blows. And in a tense final set, it was the Kazakh who came stronger and stronger, eventually winning her maiden Grand Slam title with another emphatic serve.
She not only became the first player from her country to win a Grand Slam title, but also the youngest Wimbledon champion since 2011.
For Jabeur, she was also looking to seal her name in the history books after becoming the first Arab or African player to reach a Grand Slam title.
When asked about inspiring young players back home, she joked that “Elena stole my title, but it’s okay!”
“I love this tournament so much and I feel really sad, but I’m trying to inspire many generations in my country. I hope they listen to me.”
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