Tennis: Ons Jabeur, first Arab woman to win WTA Tour title

Published on : 06/20/2021 – 9:02 PM

Tunisian Ons Jabeur became the first Arab woman to win a WTA Tour title after winning the final on Sunday (June 20) over Russia’s Darya Kasatkina, 7–5, 6–4.

Ons Jabeur, 26, is 24th in the world. She had already reached two finals: in Moscow in 2018 – she had then lost to Kasatkina – and in Charleston this season.

“Give the example”

“I knew I had to go for it, I had to win this title to finally breathe and lead by example,” said Jabeur. “There aren’t many Tunisians or Arabs playing, so I hope that can inspire them, and I want to see more Arab and Tunisian players playing with me on the tour.”

On the Birmingham turf, the No. 2 seed managed to break in the first set, before losing his face-off. But the second break, at 5–5, was the right one.

Despite losing twice in straight sets against Kasatkina, Jabeur only needed one match point to clinch the first title of her career, one week away from Wimbledon.

The Tunisian is in good shape this season as she holds the record for number of matches won (28), tied with former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty.

With AFP