It’s time for the women’s final at Wimbledon, the end of an intriguing tournament that has given many surprises over the past two weeks.
Tunisian world number 2 Ons Jabeur will face 17th seed Elena Rybakina on the central court on Saturday night.
It will be the first women’s final, which will no doubt mean that both players will feel a lot of extra pressure when they leave in front of about 15,000 spectators.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s women’s final.
Who is Ons Jabeur?
Ons Jabeur have won 22 of their last 24 matches and this year they are unbeaten on turf. (AP: Kirsty Wigglesworth)
The 27-year-old has already made history.
The Tunisian is a clear pioneer for Arab players, becoming the first Arab man or woman to make a Grand Slam final in the open era.
She is also the first woman from Africa to make a Grand Slam final.
Despite his impressive career and excellent form on the grass court — Jabeur has won all 11 matches he has played on grass in 2022, including the WTA title in Berlin last month, his second track title. turf of his career, Wimbledon has not always been. kind to her.
Before last year’s race to the quarterfinals, Jabeur’s best result was reaching the second round in 2018.
Jabeur has had a tough time in the Grand Slams this year, missed the Australian Open due to injury and was knocked out in the first round at Roland Garros.
However, this stain on what is his favorite slam seems to have stimulated him. He has won 22 of his last 24 matches and reached the final in five of his last seven tournaments.
Who is Elena Rybakina?
Elena Rybakina’s dominant service is a powerful weapon. (Getty Images: Shaun Botterill)
Another debutant in the Grand Slam final, 23-year-old Rybakina, has improved this tournament, crowned by her magnificent direct set victory over Simona Halep in the semifinals.
The world number 23 is the first Kazakh player to reach a Grand Slam final.
However, she was born in Moscow and only changed from Russian to Kazakh nationality in 2018 when the Tennis Federation of Kazakhstan made an offer to sponsor her.
Wimbledon has controversially banned all Russian and Belarusian players from competing in this year’s tournament.
When asked about his nationality after the semifinals, Rybakina said he was “very happy” to play representative in Kazakhstan.
“I have been playing in Kazakhstan for a long time and I am very happy to represent Kazakhstan,” he said.
“They believed in me and there is no longer any doubt about how I feel.
“I played in the Olympics, I played in the Fed Cup [for Kazakhstan]so I think I already gave an answer yesterday about that. “
Who will win?
Elena Rybakina will look to beat Ons Jabeur. (Getty Images: Steven Paston / PA)
If the old adage that styles make fights is true on the tennis court, then this final could be a cracker.
On one side of the net you have a young weapon with huge service, and on the other you have the cunning of one of the cleanest hit players in the game.
Rybakina has hit 219 assets so far this year, far more than anyone in the WTA – no one else has passed the 200 yet.
So far in this tournament, he has hit 49, including an incredible 15 against Ajla Tomljanović in what was his only three-set match so far in SW19.
At 167 cm, Jabeur is not exactly tall, which could make the Rybakina serve as an almost unsurpassed weapon.
However, what Jabeur lacks in height makes up for in style.
The Tunisian is one of the most classy players on the tour, with a skillful touch and a variety of skills that make her outstanding material in virtually every tournament she plays.
Jabeur has a 2-1 lead over Rybakina, winning their last two clashes.
What time is the Wimbledon women’s final?
The final will begin at 11pm AEDT.
How can I look?
The match can be watched live on Channel Nine and Stan Sport from 23:00 AEST.
Can I listen on the radio?
Yes, you can! ABC will cover tennis at ABC Sport Digital.
You can also follow the action on our ABC Sport live blog.