Tunisian Ons Jabeur’s run at the Australian Open came to an end in the quarterfinals following a straight sets defeat to American Sofia Kenin on Tuesday.
Jabeur lost 6-4, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena in a match that lasted just over an hour and a half.
The world number 78 had made history becoming the first Arab woman to make an appearance at a Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Jabeur put in a spirited performance firing five aces and 34 winners compared to Kenin who had no aces and just 14 winners. However, she made 36 unforced errors to Kenin’s 16 and only converted one of seven break points.
After the match Jabeur took to social media and thanked her fans for their support over the last fortnight.
Gave it all Today🙏
Thank you @australianopen and everyone for all the support ❤️❤️#grinta #yallah pic.twitter.com/pgpHK6EPUc— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 28, 2020
Kenin, who will face world number one Ashleigh Barty in the semifinal, paid tribute to Jabeur following the match.
“(Jabeur is) a really tough player. I knew she’s going to come out playing strong. She’s had really good matches, good wins. It wasn’t an easy one, it wasn’t an easy battle. All respect to her.”
This is Jabeur’s best ever showing at a Grand Slam eclipsing her previous performances at the 2017 French Open and the 2019 US Open where she reached the 3rd round.
Jabeur said before the match that she hoped that her exploits at the tournament will inspire many young generations either in Tunisia or the Arabic world, especially in Africa.
