Wimbledon champion Elena Rybkina said she fears she will miss out on a second week at the All England Club after defeating Ons Jabur in Saturday’s final.
Moscow-born Rybakina, who has represented Kazakhstan for the past four years, made a comeback to beat the Tunisian 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Wimbledon 2022 Women’s Singles Final – Elena Rybakina vs Ons Jabur: Highlight
“I didn’t expect the Grand Slam to be in the second week at Wimbledon. To be a winner is just amazing. I can’t have words to say how happy I am,” said the 23-year-old.
“Before the match, I was very nervous during the match and I’m glad it ended honestly.”
“I’ve never felt anything like this”
Believe me Elena – you are a Wimbledon champion#wimbledon , #centrecourt100 pic.twitter.com/2p4wPqwxLr
— Wimbledon (@wimbledon) 9 July 2022
Big hit Rybakina, ranked 23rd in the world, had never progressed past the last eight at a Slam before this Wimbledon.
“I want to congratulate the Ons for a great match and all you have achieved. I think you are an inspiration to all.
“I ran so much, I don’t think I need to do fitness anymore.”
Read also | Elena Rybakina fights against Ons Jabur to win Wimbledon title
Jabeur was in a bid to make history as the first African woman to win a Grand Slam singles title.
But after dominating the first set against a nervous Rybakina, her game fell apart, winning just four of the next 16 matches.
“First of all I want to congratulate Elena and her team – great job and she deserved it and hopefully next time it will be mine,” said the world number two.
He joked again: “Elena stole my title but that’s okay.
“I love this tournament so much and I feel really sad, but I am trying to inspire many generations of my country. I hope they are listening.”
Rybkina’s Croatian coach Stefano Vukov told the BBC he has the potential to continue winning.
“He is still raw in many ways so it is a long process. We started working together in smaller events and here we are, winning Wimbledon. This is just the beginning,” he said.
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