No. 17 ranked Elena Rybakina pulled off the unthinkable on Saturday afternoon at Wimbledon, beating No. 3 One Jabeur in three sets, 3-6,6-2, 6-2. After dropping the opening set, the Russian-born Kazakhstan player roared back and won her first-ever Grand Slam title.
Following the victory, Rybakina had an emotional reaction. Via the Wimbledon Twitter:
“Actually speechless, I was actually very nervous before the match and during the match so I'm honestly happy it is finished because really I've never felt something like this and I just want to say a big thanks to the crowd, the support was unbelievable,” said Elena Rybakina.
The Wimbledon winner also made sure to praise Jabeur:
“I also want to congratulate Ons for the great match and everything you've achieved and it's inspirational for not only the young juniors but everybody. You have an amazing game and I don't think we have somebody like this on tour and it's just a pleasure to play against you.”
"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
A classy gesture from Elena Rybakina. This is truly a full-circle moment for her, having just beaten one of the best players in the world. At just 23 years old, Rybakina is the youngest Wimbledon finalist since Garbine Muguruza, who competed at 21 years of age in 2015. Rybakina is the youngest champ since 2011 when Petra Kvitova took home the honors.
En route to the Grand Slam trophy, Rybakina only dropped two sets in total. This is just her third career title and first since 2020. Hopefully, it's the start of something special for Elena Rybakina as she now looks ahead to the US Open next month.
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