In a compelling clash of styles that pitted elegant power against endless imagination, it was Elena Rybakina who fought from a set down to defeat Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final. It is a result that will be presented as something of a nightmare scenario for the All England Club, who remained so defiant on their ban on Russian players only to have a 23-year-old born in Moscow but now representing Kazakhstan lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish. But to those watching on Centre Court, this was a thrilling spectacle riven with twists that were far removed from political propaganda.
Neither player had reached the final of a major before but Jabeur, attempting to become the first Arab and African woman to win a grand slam, had been the favourite in terms of support and expectation. She started in such a manner, utilising a dizzying array of slices and drop shots that left Rybakina caught in two minds, too urgent to attack and then too hesitant after a series of mistakes turned into a torrent.
