Wimbledon: Ons Jabeur vs Elina Rybakina – 1st-time champ
Wimbledon: Ons Jabeur vs Elina Rybakina – 1st-time champ. The 9th of July 2022 is set to show the fascinating clash between World no 2 Ons Jabeur and Elina Rybakina.
Both the players have made history for their countries in the tournaments they have played this year. But their eyes lay on the final match to win the biggest prize in women’s tennis.
A Highly International Significant Final
The Grand Slam this year at Wimbledon will be the first to feature two female first-time finalists of a Grand Slam since 1962, with Karen Susman beating Věra Suková in straight sets.
Rybakina is just one match away from winning a Grand Slam tournament and so is her opponent.
Jabeur advanced to the final by defeating Tatjana Maria 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 on Thursday. Rybakina played after that match on the grass of Center Court and defeated 2019 champion Simona Halep 6-3, 6-3.
Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur has the probability to become the first African and Arab player to ever win a Grand Slam tournament. She has the nickname “Minister of Happiness” in her for her cheerful disposition.
“It’s not like Europe or any other countries. I want to see more players from my country, from the Middle East, from Africa. I think we didn’t believe enough at certain points that we can do it. Now I’m just trying to show that. Hopefully, people are getting inspired.”
“I want to go bigger, inspire many more generation(s),” Jabeur said. “Tunisia is connected to the Arab world, is connected to the African continent. … I want to see more players from my country, from the Middle East, from Africa.”
Jabeur showcased herself as one of the best players in recent months and rose to No. 2 in the rankings. She also won a grass-court title in Berlin in the latter half of June 2022.
Rybakina, on the other hand, became the first Kazakhstan player to ever qualify for a Grand Slam final after defeating 2019 champion Simona Halep.
She had changed her nationality from Russian back in 2018 as a teenager.
“I think it’s very important because tennis is becoming even more popular in Kazakhstan,” said Rybakina. “We have so many tournaments there. I think it’s amazing that now on TV, on the news you can see that I’m playing the final, and it’s for the first time.”
“My biggest support is president of the federation and also other people called through him, congratulate me with this result. I think everybody will watch and support me in the final.”
She is ranked 23rd and has 13 victories over top-20 players to her account.