London: Ons Jabeur became the first African woman to advance to the Grand Slam singles final during the open era on Thursday after defeating her best friend Tachiyana Maria in the Wimbledon semifinals. The 27-year-old from Tunisia will win 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 and face 2019 champion Simona Halep or Elena Rybakina in a Saturday championship match. “I’m a proud Tunisian woman standing here,” said Jabber, the first Arab player to play in the slum semifinals.
Prior to Thursday, South African Eileen Bauder Peacock at the 1927 French Open and Renée Schuurman at the 1959 Australian Open were the only African women to reach the slum singles finals. “It’s a dream that comes from years of work and sacrifice. I’m glad it paid off. I’ll continue another match,” said Jabber.
“Physically, Tunisia is a beast. She won’t give up-I thought she would give up-her touch, serve, and coat are all impressive. She keeps going like this. Hope you don’t play again, I’m fine for now. “In Tunisia, I know they’re crazy right now. Meet more Arab and African players on tour I love this game and want to share that experience with them. “Jabber takes a break in the third and seventh games and the first set with his two mothers Maria. I proceeded by inertia.
The Tunisians fired 15 winners out of 6 of their opponents in the first set, but with no break points. However, Maria, described by Jabber as a “barbecue buddy,” finally broke through 3: 1 in the second set from the back of a series of delicate slices. Jabber’s 17 unforced errors in the second set compared to the more accurate 6 Germans who leveled the contest. However, there was no confusing victory as Maria’s challenge in 103rd place was shattered. Jabber secured a double break to gain a 5-0 advantage before securing his historical position at his second match point.
“I feel for the Russians”
Born in Moscow, Rybakina tries to reach the first Wimbledon final, counting her blessings to escape the tournament ban given to her Russian compatriots. Rybakina switched her nationality to Kazakhstan in 2018 to take advantage of her greater financial support. She is currently in the semi-finals of the same tournament where Russian and Belarusian players were banned following the invasion of Ukraine. “Everyone wants to compete,” said 23-year-old Rybakina, the first player to make the last four slums on behalf of Kazakhstan. “They didn’t choose where they were born. Of course, I feel for them.”
She admitted that she was fortunate to be converted to represent Kazakhstan. “I think it was a very good time because Kazakhstan was looking for a player. I was looking for help. They believed in me. I think it was a very good combination.” 6ft (1.84m) ), The world’s number 23 Rybakina is a big hit star in women’s tournaments, with 44 ace leading the event in the past five rounds. On Thursday, she will play against Halep. Halep wants to recreate the “perfect match” she won the 2019 Wimbledon title.
Romania’s former world number one won his second Grand Slam crown at the All England Club three years ago. Her first match was the 2018 French Open. However, she was excluded from Wimbledon after a three-month layoff due to a calf injury last year. “It was the perfect match of my life,” recalled 30-year-old Halep when he defeated Serena Williams in the 2019 Wimbledon Final with only four defeats. “Now I’m playing really well. I’m confident that I’m feeling the game the same as it was back then. Yes, only the positives are good memories.” – AFP
