Russian-born Rybakina wins ladies’ singles title at Wimbledon after coming from a set down against Tunisian Ons Jabeur

By Charlie Stong on Centre Court at Wimbledon

Elena Rybakina bt Ons Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2

Russian-born Elena Rybakina came from a set down to beat number three seed Ons Jabeur in a superb ladies’ singles final at Wimbledon this afternoon.

Jabeur, aiming to become the first African woman to win at the All England Club, took the first set 6-3.

Russian players were banned from this year’s Wimbledon after the invasion of Ukraine, but Rybakina, who now represents Kazakhstan, turned the match on its head to take the next two sets 6-2, 6-2.

Afterwards Rybakina, the No.17 seed, said: “I am glad it is finished as I have never felt anything like this.

“Congratulations to Ons for a great match – you are an inspiration to young Tunisians.

“It is an honour to play in front of the royal box and it was an unbelievable atmosphere. Thank you.”

Rybakina was producing some fabulous returns of service early in the first set, but it was Jabeur who forced the first break point in the third game when Rybakina hit a forehand into the net – and took it when Rybakina hit a backhand long.

The Tunisian was beginning to find her best game. She picked up a fierce return in the next game, deftly flicking a backhand cross-court shot which just caught the side line, to lead 3-1.

Then great anticipation at the net allowed her to hit a backhand winner for 0-15. Jabeur forced two more break points for a 4-1 lead in that game, but some big hitting from Rybakina reduced her deficit to 3-2.

The next three games were held, forcing Rybakina to serve to save the set at 3-5.

The Kazakh number 17 seed netted a simple forehand for 0-15 before a double fault piled on the pressure at 0-30.

And when a wild forehand flew long the Tunisian all of a sudden had three set points – a set she took in 32 minutes when Rybakina could only hit a fierce Jabeur return into the net.

But then things changed. Rybakina hit back in the first game of the second set. A fierce forehand down the line set up break point – and she secured her first break when Jabeur netted.

Rybakina had a point for a double break in the next game, expertly anticipating two Jabeur drop shots, but the Tunisian recovered for a crucial hold at 1-2.

Jabeur had points to break back in the next game, but Rybakina had thrown off the tightness she experienced in the first set, and showed great courage to hold out for a 3-1 lead.

Jabeur netted a forehand down the line to being up break point in her next game, and when Rybakina took it for a 4-1 lead, with a double break, the final had been turned on its head.

After two more holds Rybakina served out the set to love, winning it with an ace to level at one set all.

Rybakina at this stage appeared an unstoppable force. Jabeur was broken again in the deciding set’s first game – Rybakina overturning a call of out into a cross-court winner which set the game up at 0-30.

Jabeur’s frustration was beginning to show. She momentarily threatened in the next game but a beautiful cross-course forehand gave Rybakina a 2-0 advantage.

Shouts of ‘Allez Ons’ temporarily encouraged the Tunisian, who held her next service game, but Rybakina soon powered to a 3-1 lead.

Jabeur held the next game comfortably to 15 to take it to 3-2 to Rybakina, and then had three huge break points for 3-3.

However the Kazakhstani used all her resolve to take five crucial points in succession and bring up a 4-2 lead.

When she broke again for 5-2 in the next game the title was almost hers – and when Jabeur hit wide on match point the Kazakh was crowned champion.

Maybe Russia have had the last laugh after all.

Pictured top: Elena Rybakina, with the trophy, pictured with Ons Jabeur after today’s ladies’ singles final (Picture: PA)