NEW DELHI: Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur avenged her defeat in last year's final by staging a comeback and defeating third-seeded defending champion Elena Rybakina from Kazakhstan in London on Wednesday.
Jabeur triumphed with a score of 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-1, securing a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
In the previous year's final, Jabeur had been on track to become the first Arabic female champion but eventually lost in three sets.
However, in the 2023 tournament, the sixth-seeded Jabeur displayed resilience and determination as she mounted a spirited comeback after losing the first set tiebreak.
Following the first set, Jabeur elevated her game, taking more risks with her shots and gradually establishing herself as the dominant player on the court.
She won five consecutive games, claiming the second set and gaining momentum in the third set, where she exhibited real authority.
Jabeur's impressive performance sets up a semi-final clash with second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus, who previously defeated American Madison Keys in straight sets.
"I'm very happy with the performance -- a lot of emotion out there, especially playing someone that serves really well," she said.
"It's frustrating to return but I'm glad I did everything, shouted, got angry, then got calm and focused and hopefully I can manage my emotions like this for the next two matches."
Rybakina initially took the lead by breaking Jabeur's serve to love in the fourth game. However, Jabeur quickly responded and capitalised on a loose volley from Rybakina to break back and take a 6-5 lead.
Unfortunately, Jabeur couldn't consolidate her advantage and failed to convert a set point, leading to a tiebreak that Rybakina won, taking the first set.
In the second set, both players faced challenges on their serves. Rybakina saved break points in the second game, while Jabeur had to dig deep to maintain a 3-2 lead. They held serve until the 10th game when Rybakina faltered, allowing Jabeur to break back and level the match.
The momentum shifted in Jabeur's favor in the deciding set as she quickly built a 3-0 lead. She demonstrated resilience by saving two break points and extended her lead to 4-1.
Jabeur then broke Rybakina's serve once again with a powerful backhand down the line. She held her own serve to seal the victory, celebrating with a triumphant roar of delight.
(With Agency inputs)
