Moscow-born Elena Rybakina has won the Wimbledon title at a tournament where Russians are banned.

The 23-year-old beat world No 1 Ons Jabeur in three sets 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

The All England Club’s imposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian players after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Rybakina was allowed to compete as she switched to represent Kazakhstan four years ago.

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

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

“I’m playing already for Kazakhstan for a long time. I’m really happy representing Kazakhstan.”

Rybakina, 23, made the decision to switch allegiances to receive more funding.

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

In response, the WTA and ATP, the international bodies that run tennis, took the unprecedented step of not awarding rankings points to any players at the tournament.

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