The 23-year-old beat world No. 2 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in three sets 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. Rybakina showed some nerves in the first set but came back strong in the second and third to beat Jabeur, who was trying to become the first Arab and first African to win a Grand Slam. The All England Club banned Russian and Belarusian players following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But Rybakina was cleared to compete as she switched to represent Kazakhstan four years ago. Her victory is historic because she is the first player representing Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam title. Rybakina made the decision to change allegiance in order to receive more funding and has repeatedly stated that she is happy to represent her adopted country. Asked before the final if she “still feels Russian”, Rybakina said: “What does it mean to you to feel? I mean, I play tennis, so for me, I enjoy my time here. Image: Ons Jabeur wanted to become the first Arab woman to win a Grand Slam title “I feel for the players who couldn’t come here, but I’m just enjoying playing here on the biggest stage, enjoying my time and trying to do my best. “I have already been playing for Kazakhstan for a long time. I am very happy to represent Kazakhstan.” He has called for the war in Ukraine to “stop as soon as possible”. Asked about her residence, which is reported to be in Moscow, she said: “I think I rely on the tour because I travel every week.” Image: The Duchess of Cambridge in the Royal Box during the final. Photo: AP Image: The Duchess of Cambridge presents the trophy to Rybakina The tournament’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players – which prevented world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, among others, from participating – was highly controversial. In response, the women’s and men’s tennis federations, the WTA and ATP respectively, took the unprecedented step of not awarding ranking points to any players at the tournament.
