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via Reuters

via Reuters

Ons Jabeur defeated Jessica Pegula in a thrilling match to win the Madrid Open 2022. With this, she won her first title of the year. Earlier, she had a rough start to the year, but somehow managed to get back on track and eventually won on the clay court.

The Tunisian player has stayed consistent in her gameplay. However, she had to endure her fair share of struggles to win the finals in Madrid.

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Jabeur battled with pressure and came out victorious

Ons Jabeur has proudly carried the name of African identity in the highly competitive and unforgivingly tough world of tennis.

After the match, she discussed the pressure she was going through before her finals. She said, “I honestly still can’t believe it. I went through a roller coaster of emotions during the past few days, after SF…” 

USA Today via Reuters

The 27-YO added, “I was really stressed, trying to breathe like a pregnant woman. Didn’t want to get disappointed again. Thought my heart was going out of my chest today.”

Ons Jabeur breaking records

Notably, Ons reached the finals of the Charleston Open as well but was defeated by Belinda Bencic. However, she did not let the setback pull her down. The Tunisian player rose back and was stronger this time to win the Madrid Open.

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She defeated Jessica Pegula by a score of 7-5, 0-6, 6-2. The world no. 10 struggled in the second set but made a strong comeback in the third one to reign over the title.

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via Reuters

What is ahead for Jabeur?

Jabeur claimed the biggest title of her career and became the first African and Arab woman to win a WTA 1000 title. Also, she is the first Arab tennis player, including both men and women, to crack into the Top 10 ranking. Now, Jabeur is focused on the next event in Rome and is ready to face Sorana Cirstea in the opening round of the Italian Open.

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Do you think Ons Jabeur can keep her winning streak alive at the Italian Open as well?