Elena Rybakina entered the Centre Court sunshine on Saturday before the Wimbledon final but refrained from waving due to her anxiety. Instead, she maintained a firm double grip on the racket bag’s black-and-red straps.
Zero waves. Almost no looking around. Given that it was her first appearance in a Grand Slam title final, her performance in the opening stages of the match also revealed some nervousness.
She defeated Ons Jabeur by scores of 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 after nearly two hours of hard-hitting and sprinting at the All England Club to claim the title and earn Kazakhstan its first major tournament singles trophy.
Even then, Rybakina’s response was as subdued as possible—a small sigh and a faint smile.
To be honest, the 23-year-old was relieved that it was over because she had never experienced anything like it.
She was born in Moscow and has been playing for Kazakhstan since that nation promised to assist her tennis career in 2018. Due to the hostilities in Ukraine, the switch prevented any players who represent Russia or Belarus from competing in the competition, which has generated discussion during Wimbledon.
Just one woman has won Wimbledon since the WTA computer rankings were introduced in 1975, and that was No. 23 Rybakina.
Venus Williams was ranked No. 31 in 2007 despite having already won three of her five Wimbledon championships and being ranked No. 1.
Rybakina broke the 12-match winning streak of the 27-year-old Tunisian, who played all of his victories on grass courts, by using her strong forehand and large serve to outduel the No. 2-ranked Jabeur’s eclectic game, which included a combination of spins and slices.
Jabeur was taking part in her maiden Grand Slam final as well.
A 117 mph ace off Rybakina’s red racket started that match. Jabeur missed a return towards the end.
Any anxiety or uneasiness Rybakina might be experiencing could vanish. She soon moved through the stands for hugs with her coach, her sister, and others, stepping over the green wall next to the front row seats in the process.
She was the current Wimbledon champion and always will be.
