A new name is on the list of the London Grand Slam. Elena Rybakina, a Russian player naturalized in Kazakhstan since 2018, won the first Grand Slam tournament of her career, beating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur (3-6, 6-2, 6-2) in the Wimbledon final on Saturday July 9. . She becomes the first player from Kazakhstan to win a Major.
On the court on Saturday, Rybakina first appeared in difficulty with her main weapon, the service (no ace, 58% of first serves), and was dominated in the first set by committing many unforced errors (17). His opponent, favorite of the tournament since the elimination of the favorite Iga Swiatek in the 3rd round (against the French Alizé Cornet), seemed launched towards the final victory after winning the first set (6-3).
But the 23rd in the world started a rebellion at the start of the second set by breaking her opponent from the start. The Kazakhstani also regained her efficiency on serve (73% first serves, 2 aces). HAS 2-1, she saved four break points, won her face-off and succeeded in the process of the double break to break away 5-1 and equalize at one set everywhere (6-2).
In the decisive third act, Rybakina immediately took Jabeur’s service. The Kazakhstani’s determination gradually got the better of Ons Jabeur’s annoyance. She managed the double break to lead 5-2, before concluding on his serve.
“I was super nervous before the game, I had never felt anything like this, confided the new champion just after her match. To tell the truth, I didn’t even expect to be there again for the second week at Wimbledon. So winning the tournament is really amazing. I don’t have the words to say how happy I am.” she added.
Also applauded by the Center Court, his opponent did not lack spirit when commenting on his game. “Elena stole my title, but it’s okay!”, tried to joke Jabeur who admitted to being “really sad”, as much as she “try to be an inspiration to generations in [son] country”.
The first player since Amelie Mauresmo in 2006 to come from a set down to win the Ladies’ Singles Championship
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Rybakina’s victory will be a milestone. Aged 23 years and 22 days, she becomes the youngest player since Petra Kvitova in 2011 to lift the London trophy. Stronger still, she is the first since Amélie Mauresmo in 2006 to win the Wimbledon final after losing the first set. Lhe Kazakhstani, who stopped in the third round of the tournament last year, experienced Saturday, for the first time in her career, the consecration.