Moscow-born Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, won Wimbledon in the year the Russians were banned from the tournament | News Video News UK

Moscow-born Elena Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, won the Wimbledon championship at a tournament where the Russians were banned.

The 23-year-old beat world No. 2 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in three sets 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Rybakina appeared a bit nervous in the first set but came back strong in the second and third to beat Jabeur, who was eager to become the first Arab woman and the first African woman to win. Grand Slam.

The All England Club imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian players after Russia invaded Ukraine.

But Rybakina was allowed to compete when she moved to represent Kazakhstan four years ago.

Her victory is historic as she is the first player to represent Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam title.

Rybakina has decided to switch allegiance to receive more funding and has repeatedly said that she is happy to represent her adoptive country.

When asked before the final if she still “feels Russian”, Rybakina said: “What does that mean for you? I mean, I’m playing tennis, so for me, I am enjoying my time here.

“I feel sorry for the players who can’t come here, but I just love playing here on the biggest stage, enjoying my time and trying to do my best.

“I have played for Kazakhstan for a long time. I am really happy to represent Kazakhstan.”

She has called for the war in Ukraine to “stop as soon as possible”. When asked about her whereabouts, believed to be in Moscow, she said: “I think I’m traveling because I travel every week.”

The tournament’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players – which prompted world No 1 Daniil Medvedev to participate, among others – was controversial.

In response, the women’s and men’s tennis associations WTA and ATP respectively took the unprecedented step of not awarding ranking points to any player at the tournament.