The 23-year-old beat Ons Jabeur in three sets to become the first singles player representing Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam. But did you know she was born in a different country?
4 minBy Jo Gunston
Tennis
Composed throughout the two-week tournament, Elena Rybakina was 'glad it was over' when she beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to win the Wimbledon Ladies’ singles tennis title on Saturday (9 July).
On a sun-baked Centre Court with hand-held cooling fans fluttering like butterfly wings in the stands, the youngest Wimbledon finalist since 2015 kept her cool to register a first major title.
A pumped Jabeur used all her creative tools to bring the set home, but Rybakina became increasingly comfortable on the big stage from early in the second.
Noted for her power serves, 23-year-old displayed a more rounded performance with drop shots and down-the-line winners.
On completing the victory, she did a 'Pat Cash' and clambered into the crowd to celebrate with her team.
During the on-court interview, Rybakina said how pleased she was that the match was over as she had been so nervous before and during the big finale. She also joked she had no need to do any more fitness training as Jabeur had her running about the court so much.
"Words can't say how happy I am," said the 17th seed of the win.
The number three seed, Jabeuer, meanwhile, praised her opponent's game today before saying: "I'm really sad but it is tennis – there is only one winner. I'm trying to inspire the next generations. I hope they are listening."
History-makers
Both players were aiming for not only their own first Grand Slam singles title but also a history-making charge for their nations. Rybakina came out on top, becoming the first player representing Kazakhstan to win a major.
The Russian-born player halted the fairy-tale ending of Jabeur, who was looking to become the first Arab and first African woman to win a Grand Slam. That day will have to wait for the 27-year-old who nevertheless has provided a beacon for kids in her home country of Tunisia, and beyond, to pick up a racket.
The same could be said of the new Wimbledon champion on increasing not only her own profile but also the interest in tennis in Kazakhstan, so get to know Rybakina with three things to know about the new star.
Why the switch of nations?
Shortly after turning 19, Rybakina opted to represent Kazakhstan after being offered support by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, while also combining a collegiate education in the United States.
Her breakthrough came at the Bucharest Open, winning the title in 2019, and with it, her first WTA Tour title and breaking through into the world’s top 100 players in the process.
“I'm playing for Kazakhstan for a long time. I'm really happy representing Kazakhstan,” said Rybakina shortly after her victory against former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep in the Wimbledon semi-final on Thursday (7 July) winning 6-3 6-3.
“They believed in me. There is no more question about how I feel. It's already a long time my journey as a Kazakh player.”
Dog lover
Rybakina, like her opposite number across the net, is a dog lover.
At the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, California last year, Rybakina happily joined in with the pooch pet walk on court, a tradition by the Humane Society Silicon Valley, to showcase hounds up for adoption.
She also urged any potential owners to get their pet from a shelter in an Instagram post from November having visited a shelter herself.
“I visited for the first time, and I wanted to take everyone. And if it is not possible to take them to you, then you can come and help, play, take a walk, because they all need affection.”
Travel bug
Rybakina travels the world with her sport but also takes time out when she can – either at tournaments or beyond – to see the sights.
Social media posts are peppered with images from around the globe with street art in Miami to castles in Slovakia.
The youngest player to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish since 2011, is clearly enjoying the journey, which is clearly just beginning, both on and off the court.
