It’s Wimbledon women’s final day as Ons Jabeur and Elena Rybakina go head-to-head at 2pm for the honour of winning their first Grand Slams. And there’s plenty more going on in the world of tennis ahead of Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios facing off in the men’s final tomorrow (Sunday).
Wimbledon was rocked on Friday when Rafael Nadal announced that he would be pulling out of his semi-final with Kyrgios due to an abdominal tear. That meant the Australian was given a walkover into his first ever final.
In the other semi-final, Briton Cam Norrie won the first set but reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic roared back to win to the dismay of the home crowd. The Serb was booed after winning the match after he appeared to blow kisses in the direction of a spectator.
To win a seventh Wimbledon title, Djokovic will have to get through Kyrgios, who BBC commentator Andrew Castle has taken some stick for after labelling his SW19 run ‘admirable’ despite being summoned to a court in Canberra over an assault accusation.
Saturday’s main attraction is the women’s final between Jabeur and Rybakina, and Express Sport will keep you up to date on all the latest news coming out of Wimbledon throughout the day.
Royal Family teased for Rybakina victory
Elena Rybakina’s former coach, Andrei Chesnokov, has teased the Royal Family for having to hand over the Venus Rosewater Dish to a ‘Russian native’.
The All England Club banned Russian and Belarusian competitors at this year’s Wimbledon as a result of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
But Rybakina, who beat Ons Jabeur to win the title on Saturday, was born in Moscow before switching citizenship to Kazakhstan four years ago.
“She is in the Wimbledon final, which means she can win it,” Chesnokov told Championat. “Lena acts tightly and aggressively on the court, she has good speed. Halep could not cope with it. Lena lives in Moscow, grew up here, became a player here. Congratulations to the Royal Family, they will have to reward the native of Russia.”
Ons Jabeur to tumble down world rankings
Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur will tumble from second in the world to No 5, despite making it to the final at SW19.
The WTA removed all ranking points associated with this year’s tournament as a result of the All England Club’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing.
Normally, she would gain 1,300 ranking points for reaching the final, but instead she gains nothing and loses her 430-point haul from last year’s run.
Elena Rybakina speaks out after Wimbledon triumph
Elena Rybakina has raved about Ons Jabeur after winning their showdown for the Wimbledon title on Centre Court.
Jabeur looked in control after winning the first set, but Russian-born Rybakina steadied the ship and won the final two to seal her maiden Grand Slam title.
“I want to congratulate Ons for a great match and everything you have achieved,” she said. “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.”
Rybakina wins!
She’s done it!
The Russian-born star completed a superb comeback to win 3-6, 6-2 6-2 vs Jabeur.
Rybakina battles back
We’re heading to a third set with Elena Rybakina fighting back here.
She easily takes the second 6-2. But who will have the stamina and mental strength to go the distance now?
Jabeur powers to first set in Wimbledon final
Ons Jabeur stormed through the first set against Elena Rybakina in the women’s Wimbledon final, breaking the Kazakh’s monstrous serve twice to take it 6-3.
Rybakina has put on a serving clinic during her run at SW19, but Jabeur seems to have it figured out at this stage of the match.
Djokovic talks up importance of final
Novak Djokovic has admitted that there is a lot on the line with every Grand Slam he enters at this stage of his career.
Himself, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have long been caught up in a race to retire with the most Grand Slam titles, and Nadal currently leads the way with 22.
Djokovic could take his own tally up to 21 if he beats Nick Kyrgios on Sunday.
“I’m aware of what’s on the line,” he said. “I mean, every match, every Grand Slam that I get to play at this stage of my career, there is a lot on the line.
“I don’t know how many Grand Slam opportunities to win the trophy I will still have, as I will have in few days’ time. So, of course, I’m approaching it with positive attitude and self-belief and willingness to win. There’s no doubt about it.”
