Ons Jabeur advanced to her first Grand Slam final after defeating Tatjana Maria 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 on Thursday.
The number 3 seed became the first Arab player to reach a major final with a win. Jaber is also the first African woman to reach a Grand Slam final during the Open Era. During Saturday’s final, the Tunisian will face 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep or 17th seed Elena Rybakina.
Prior to Jaber, the only other Tunisian to reach the WTA Top 100 was Selima Sfar, who peaked at number 75 in July 2001. Jaber, 27, went on to break records for her country, including by becoming the first Tunisian:
- To reach the WTA Final (Moscow 2018)
- To reach the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam (20 Australian Open)
- To break into the top 50 (which happened a month later)
- WTA title (Birmingham 21)
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Jaber continued to debut in the top ten list in October of last year.
During the deciding set against Maria, the Tunisian first broke two Grand Slam semi-finals to advance 5-0. Jaber has only lost two sets in this tournament.
“I am proud to stand here today as a Tunisian woman,” Jaber said in her court interview. CNN“I know they are going crazy in Tunisia now.
“I just try to inspire as much as I can. I want to see more and more, not just Tunisian players but Arab and African players on their tours. I just love the game and want to share this experience with them.”
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