Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina says she ‘didn’t even expect to make the second week’

Elena Rybakina is a Grand Slam champion after she came back from a set down to beat Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final.

The Kazakhstani started slowly, with Jabeur producing some electric tennis early on.

Momentum seemed to shift after the first set, though, with Jabeur losing her rhythm in the face of some outstanding serving by Rybakina.

Ironically, in the year that Wimbledon controversially banned Russian players, it has a Moscow-born champion.

“I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I’m happy it’s finished to be honest,” Rybakina said in her on-court interview following her 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 win.

“Really I have never felt something like this. I want to thank the crowd for the support, it was unbelievable these two weeks.

“But also I want to congratulate Ons for a great match and everything you have achieved. I think you are an inspiration for everybody. You have an amazing game. We don’t have someone like this on tour and it is a joy to play against you. I ran so much, I don’t think I need to do fitness anymore.

“Thank you so much. It is just an unbelievable atmosphere. Thank you.”

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Elena Rybakina was not among the favourites when the tournament started, although there were many who considered her a dark horse.

She, though, insists she never even expected to be in the second week of the tournament, never mind holding the trophy at the end of it.

“It’s true I did not expect to be in the second week of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon,” she admitted. “To be a winner is just amazing. I don’t have the words to say how happy I am.

“But I wouldn’t be here without my team of course, so I want to say a big thanks to them. I want to say thanks to my coach, my sponsors, everyone. The most important is my parents of course, they are not here so I am very sorry.

“My sister is here and it is just the third time she comes to watch so I’m happy she is here. Without my parents I wouldn’t be here for sure. Thank you so much everyone.”