Elena Rybakina rallies to Wimbledon triumph as she wrestles dream from jaws of Ons Jabeur
Elena Rybakina has become the first Kazakhstani Slam singles champion ever as she came from behind to beat Wimbledon final favourite Ons Jabeur on Saturday.
Both women were the first competitors from their nations to reach a Major singles final, regardless of gender, and the significance of the occasion was felt by both.
But it was the world number 23 Rybakina, 23, who held out for victory as she downed world number two Jabeur, 27, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in front of a full house on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
After holding both their opening service games, Jabeur took control with an early break for 2-1, before consolidating that advantage at the end of the set with another to take it 6-3.
The Tunisian’s varied and disruptive game made play difficult for Rybakina and the match entertaining for sure.
This reaction is such a mood ???
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But her panache eventually became more of a hindrance than a help as her execution suffered while Rybakina remained consistent.
After Rybakina looked comfortable for the second and third set until up a break serving at 3-2, suddenly Jabeur had three break points at 0-40.
With Jabeur up 15-40, a forehand drop shot winner was agonisingly wide, Rybakina going on to hold.
A huge chance gone, Jabeur failed to hold right after before Rybakina served out to clinch the championship 6-2 in the third and write history at Wimbledon.
The Kazakhstani did not react as though she had just captured the biggest title of her career though, showing next to no emotion following match point.
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