Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan poses with the trophy after winning the women's singles final against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, July 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, who defeated Ons Jabeur in the final for her maiden Wimbledon title, said the victory was amazing and beyond expectation.
LONDON, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina came from behind to defeat Tunisian third seed Ons Jabeur, winning the women's singles title at the Wimbledon Championships on Saturday.
"I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I'm happy it's finished. I have never felt something like this," said Rybakina, who looked extremely calm during the whole tournament even she lost the opening set in the final 3-6.
But the big-hitting Rybakina found her powerful serve and precise return soon, winning the following two sets 6-2 and 6-2.
"It's true I did not expect to be in the second week of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon," said the 23-year-old, whose previous best result at a Grand Slam was a quarterfinal finish at last year's French Open. "To be a winner is just amazing. I don't have the words to say how happy I am."
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhsatan serves during the women's final against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Britain, on July 9, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Jabeur, 27, has become the first African woman in a Grand Slam final in the Open Era after beating close friend Tatjana Maria of Germany 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in the semifinals.
"I love this tournament so much and I feel really sad, but I'm trying to inspire many generations from my country. I hope they are listening," said the world No. 2. ■
