Ons Jabeur’s comeback season gained momentum under the lights in the UAE, as the Tunisian edged past Jelena Ostapenko 7-6(4), 7-5 in a tense, high-quality encounter on Stadium Court. The victory marked Jabeur’s third consecutive win over the fiery Latvian and underlined her growing form after an injury-hit 2024.
A slow start saw Jabeur fall behind 3-1 as her first serve faltered, but the former World No. 2, urged on by an electric crowd, found her rhythm just in time. The first set was a rollercoaster, ultimately decided in a tiebreak where Ostapenko’s 23 unforced errors including four costly double faults proved decisive. Jabeur capitalized, reeling off the final four points to take control.
Ostapenko, the 2017 Roland Garros champion, refused to go quietly. She had a golden opportunity to force a third set, serving for the second at 5-4, but Jabeur’s resilience shone through. Steady under pressure, she broke back, won three straight games, and sealed victory with a stunning backhand return down the line a shot worthy of the occasion.
For Jabeur, this win is another step forward in her comeback trail after shoulder troubles cut her 2024 season short. Now 7-3 in 2025, she faces a fascinating next test against Japan’s rising star Wakana Sonobe, the 17-year-old fresh off her Australian Open junior title.
, 7-5 in a hard-fought match under the UAE lights. The Tunisian star now faces teenage sensation Wakana Sonobe in the second round.){kind=link}