My tennis buddy TW Master Ace reminded me today that Rybakina was playing very well pre-covid. I then recalled that were it not for COVID and lockdowns she would have already been the first player male or female from Kazakhstan to be in the final of a Major.
I wondered if Ons Jabeur, she of the wildcards for tournaments in Doha and Dubai, would ever make the most of her talent. Known for her trick shots, slices, drop shots and generally unfit, it appears Jabeur decided that enough was enough. It was no longer enough for her to just be happy playing, Jabeur decided to set actual goals and has accomplished them.
On Saturday 9 July 2022 Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur will play for the Venus Rosewater Dish at The Championships, Wimbledon. I can't wait.
Women's tennis has always been at the forefront of change and this weekend's upcoming final charts a new beginning for the continent of Africa.
Ons Jabeur. African. Tunisian. Muslim. Wimbledon finalist. I don't think many of us when we saw the draw ever thought one of sport's most elitist tournaments would have on its hallowed Centre Court, a woman who keeps Ramadan, and who hails from a country that worships Allah. It shows that change happens, even if it happens slowly.
And what about Rybakina? Born in Russia, Rybakina chose to play for Kazhakstan due to financial challenges that she experienced. However, she has struggled to make a name for herself. A huge game but a pretty shy personality, she came to the attention of Slam tennis watchers when she took out Serena Williams at the French Open in 2021. There are those of us who knew how dangerous Rybakina could be and understood that this version of Serena would have a hard time dealing with the pace that comes off Rybakina's racquet. The scoreline [6-3, 7-5] told the tale. Her lack of consistency, coupled with poor movement, especially up the court, will make for a hard time against Jabeur. Jabeur will be using every trick in the book to ensure that Rybakina bends those knees to go after her wicked short slices or race after her drop shots.
However, Jabeur will first have to overcome the pace of shot that will be coming from Rybakina's racquet. As we saw in her match against Halep, a player known for absorbing pace, there was absolutely nothing that Halep could do against Rybakina who has been on during this whole tournament.
It will be a match of contrasts. Big hitting shy young woman against a wily extroverted game changer.
Spin's Pick: Jabeur in 3 tough sets
