Elena Rybakina is the 2022 Wimbledon champion: how many grand slams titles has she won?

Elena Rybakina is the new Wimbledon champion after defeating Ons Jabeur in Saturday’s Wimbledon women’s singles final.

The 23-year-old beat Jabeur to become the youngest Wimbledon champion since 2011, winning 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 on Centre Court to secure her first grand slam title.

Rybakina, who was born in Russia but has represented Kazakhstan since 2018, has become the country’s first player to win a major singles trophy.

She looked stunned as she claimed victory against Jabeur. After flying under the radar at Wimbledon, Rybakina gained admirers with her impressive semi-final win, defeating 2019 champion Simona Halep.

Nervous Rybakina

“I was super nervous before the match, during the match and I’m happy it’s finished to be honest. Really I have never felt something like this. I want to thank the crowd for the support, it was unbelievable these two weeks,” Rybakina said after claiming the title on Saturday.

Praise for Jabeur

Rybakina also had plenty of praise for Jabeur, telling her there is no player like her on the tour.

“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.

“It’s true I did not expect to be in the second week of a Grand Slam at Wimbledon. 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 on the tour to watch so I’m happy she is here. Without my parents, I wouldn’t be here for sure. Thank you so much everyone.”

World number two Jabeur became the first African woman to reach a major final since 1960, while Rybakina was the youngest women’s finalist at SW19 since 2015, when Garbine Muguruza was 21.

Inspiring Jabeur

Speaking after the final Jabeur said: “Thank you guys for your support, really appreciate it.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Elena and her team - great job and she deserved this and hopefully next time it will be mine.

“I wouldn’t do this without my team there. They always pushed me to do more so thank you for your support and for believing in me.

“Elena stole my title but it’s OK! I love this tournament so much and I feel really sad, but I’m trying to inspire many generations from my country. I hope they are listening.

“I also want to thank this beautiful crowd for all their support over the two weeks. It’s been amazing. I want to wish Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating.”