On July 9, 2022, 23-year-old Elena Rybakina went up against 27-year-old Ons Jabuer in the Wimbledon finals.
Nobody believed that the young Elena could win against the number 2 ranked player in the world, but after losing the first set 3-6, Elena went on to win the next 2 sets and clinch the title.
“I’m speechless,” she said after the win. “The crowd were unbelievable and I want to congratulate Ons, you are an inspiration. It was a joy to play against you. It’s an honour to play here in this unbelievable atmosphere. I didn’t expect to be in the second week. To be a winner is just amazing. I wouldn’t be here without my team of course, so I want to say a big thanks to them. And most importantly my parents”
After a quick start to the match, Jabuer’s unforced errors began to build, and she wasn’t able to pull through.
“I love this tournament so much. I feel really sad. But it’s tennis. There is only one winner,” Jabuer said. I’m really happy that I’m trying to inspire many generations from my country. I hope they’re listening.”
Rybankina took home $2.5 million along with the trophy, while Jabeur, the first Arab woman to reach a major singles final, earned $1.3 million.
However, Elena, who is ranked No. 23 in the world, won’t gain any points or move up in the rankings because the WTA are not awarding points since the banning of Russian players.
“I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I’m honestly happy that it finished to be honest because really I never felt something like this,” says Rybakina.
Nobody believed that the young Elena could win against the number 2 ranked player in the world, but after losing the first set 3-6, Elena went on to win the next 2 sets and clinch the title.
“I’m speechless,” she said after the win. “The crowd were unbelievable and I want to congratulate Ons, you are an inspiration. It was a joy to play against you. It’s an honour to play here in this unbelievable atmosphere. I didn’t expect to be in the second week. To be a winner is just amazing. I wouldn’t be here without my team of course, so I want to say a big thanks to them. And most importantly my parents”
After a quick start to the match, Jabuer’s unforced errors began to build, and she wasn’t able to pull through.
“I love this tournament so much. I feel really sad. But it’s tennis. There is only one winner,” Jabuer said. I’m really happy that I’m trying to inspire many generations from my country. I hope they’re listening.”
Rybankina took home $2.5 million along with the trophy, while Jabeur, the first Arab woman to reach a major singles final, earned $1.3 million.
However, Elena, who is ranked No. 23 in the world, won’t gain any points or move up in the rankings because the WTA are not awarding points since the banning of Russian players.
“I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I’m honestly happy that it finished to be honest because really I never felt something like this,” says Rybakina.
