Wimbledon, England - Very nervous about waving, Elena Rybakina took to center court ahead of Saturday's Wimbledon final and held down a powerful double grip on the black and red straps of a bag with snowshoes slung over the shoulder.
No wave. There's not much to look at. His early game also betrayed some tension, which makes sense given this was his first appearance in a Grand Slam title match.
Almost two hours of big swings and plenty of sprints later, she won the championship at the All England Club with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Anas Jabeur – her first major singles title in a country. certified from Kazakhstan.
Even then, Rybakina's reaction was as quiet as it could be, a small sigh, a hint of a smile.
"I'm glad it's over," said the 23-year-old, "to be honest, because I really didn't feel anything like that.
She was born in Moscow and has represented Kazakhstan since 2018 when the country offered her funding to support her tennis career. The change was a topic of discussion at Wimbledon, as it barred any players representing Russia or Belarus from entering the tournament due to the war in Ukraine.
Since the start of the WTA computer rankings in 1975, only one woman has won No. 23 Rybakina at Wimbledon – Venus Williams in 2007 ranked No. 31, despite being No. 1 and actually winning three of her five titles at Wimbledon. Wimbledon.
Rybakina used her big serve and powerful forehand to beat No. 2 seed Jaber's versatile style, with a combination of spins and slides, to end the 27-year-old Tunisian's 12-game winning streak which took place entirely on grass.
"You have a great match, I don't think we have anyone like that on the Tour," Rybakina told Jaber at the post-match cup gala, then added that match, "I have run a lot today, so I don't think I need to do more fitness, frankly.
Jaber was also competing in his first Grand Slam final.
"You deserved it. I hope it's mine next time," said Jaber, whose enthusiasm on the pitch and personality earned him the nickname 'Minister of Happiness'.
Jaber joked, "Elena stole my nickname, but that's okay.
In the third game of the match, Jabeur was reading Rybakina's serve and creating less attractive chances for the core strength. A single squash-style forehand hit a forehand to the net for a break point, which Jabeur turned to lead 2-1 by putting the 120mph transmission into play, then watching Rybakina cruise with a long backhand.
Jaber turned to the guest box and jumped and screamed.
Rybakina's mistakes escalated. Shot into the net with the playing field fully open. A cornered forehand after Jaber barely got a short response.
When another forehand deflected, Jaber fell in love with winning the first set and shouted "Hey! - Arabic "Let's go! - She threw a big chunk as she walked to the sideline.
Jaber was trying to become the first Arab or African woman to win the singles title in all four professional-era slams dating back to 1968.
"I love this tournament so much, said Jaber. I feel really sad. But it's tennis. There is only one winner. "I'm really happy because I'm trying to inspire many generations in my country. I hope they'll listen.
Rybakina, who beat Serena Williams at Roland Garros last year, finally had her first break opportunity to start the second set and took a 1-0 lead when Jabeur missed a forehand.
After saving four break points in the next two service games, Rybakina broke again and quickly led 5-1.
Jabeur leads the Women's Tour with 13 wins in three hurdles this season, but Rybakina came out much stronger in the deciding set.
She broke again to start in the third and took a 3-1 lead.
Jaber needed to find a way to cut back on her mistakes and nearly turned things around as she lost 3-2 in third place. She capitalized on a pair of points she won with a dangling shot and a love lob - 40 on Rybakina's serve.
But Rybakina erased that trio of break points and won the match, backed up by two serves at 119 mph. Staying there made the score 4-2, and soon Rybakina broke again.
She was just one game away from the biggest win of her career – and she had to serve.
This match started with a big 117 mph hit from Rybakina's red paddle. It ended with the loss of Jaber Odeh.
Any apprehension or anxiety felt by Rybakina may disappear. Soon she was stepping over the green wall next to the front row seats to cross the stands with her coach, sister, and others.
Now she was and always will be a Wimbledon champion.