In the women's final, Elena Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but now represents Kazakhstan after changing her allegiance in 2018, defeated Ons Jabeur.
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The recently crowned Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina sobbed in tears on Saturday after once more being questioned about her Russian ancestry. In the women’s final, Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but now represents Kazakhstan after changing her allegiance in 2018, defeated Ons Jabeur. She won a competition where her Russian countrymen were not allowed to compete because of the invasion of Ukraine. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s always some news, but I cannot do anything about this,” said the 23-year-old when asked if the Russian government would be tempted to politicise her Grand Slam triumph. “I’m playing for Kazakhstan a very long time. I represent them on the biggest tournaments, Olympics, which was a dream come true,” said Rybakina.
However, Rybakina’s victory was hailed as a victory for Russia by Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpischev, who called the player “our product.” “It’s very nice! Well done Rybakina! We win the Wimbledon tournament,” Tarpischev was quoted as saying by Russian news agency, Ria Novosti. Moscow is where Rybakina’s parents reside. She has been reticent the entire competition to go into detail about her experience in the nation. When pressed further on Saturday and asked to criticise Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion, Rybakina begged for patience. “I didn’t choose where I was born. People believed in me. Kazakhstan supported me so much. “Even today I heard so much support. I saw the flags. So I don’t know how to answer these questions.” said Rybakina.
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Too much Stressed
After winning the Wimbledon final over Ons Jabeur , Rybakina said that she was too stressed to enjoy the moment. She struggled to a to a 6-3 first-set loss in her first Major final. She quickly found her groove, winning the next two sets for the loss of only four games to record the best win of her career. There was a scare in the sixth game of the decisive when she was 40-0 down and serving 3-2. She did, however, win the next five points to stop Jabeur’s comeback. Rybakina became the Wimbledon’s youngest ladies’ singles winner since a 21-year-old Petra Kvitova won in 2011.
Rybakina said in her press conference, “I still don’t believe it,” said Rybakina. “The same in a few days I feel, and I am aware of what I have done. I am super proud of myself, also of my team and everyone who has worked with me. It’s been hard, but we’ve done it together.” Rybakina went on to explain that she was too stressed to enjoy her victory, and that she preferred her semifinal victory. “I didn’t enjoy myself as much today as I should have,” said the 23-year-old. “I was too stressed. I enjoyed the semifinal more, I don’t know why. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it tomorrow, when I’m calmer. I will remember everything about this day, but for now it is stressful.”
Rybakina also praised her final opponent for “excellent” tennis and chasing down drop shots to make her life harder. The 23-year-old also praised Jabeur for being a “nice person” and for making history by reaching the Wimbledon final. Jabeur was the first Arab player to compete in a Major final, but she was unable to secure the victory.
