Impressive Jabeur too strong for Raducanu in Abu Dhabi

The Tunisian defeated Emma Raducanu 6-4, 6-1 in an eye-catching display. She’ll face Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, the No 6 seed, in the last eight

7 February 2024

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in action during her second round match at the 2023 Australian Open

AI/Reuters/Panoramic

Jamie Malachy

Writer

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open •Round of 16 • completed

See draw

E. RaducanuvsO. Jabeur

Ons Jabeur had too much quality for Emma Raducanu in their last-16 encounter at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, overcoming the Briton 6-4, 6-1 to reach the last eight in style.

Raducanu played well for much of the contest and, to her great credit, fought back valiantly in the first set after Jabeur had moved into a commanding lead.

The Tunisian broke in the first and fifth games of the opening set with some typically dazzling touches as her opponent struggled for early rhythm.

At 5-1 down, however, the 2021 US Open champion rallied impressively, earning one of the breaks back with some fine hitting and saving two set points in the process as Jabeur had served for the set at 5-2.

Despite some wonderfully deft touches from the Tunisian to bring up a further two break points in the following game, Raducanu dup deep again to save both and nudge within striking distance of Jabeur at 5-4.

However, there were to be no second wobbles for Jabeur this time. She secured the set in the next game, getting over the line on her fifth set point following a solid service hold.

From then on, it was a quick sprint to the finish line as the Tunisian then broke in the third, fifth and seventh games in a one-sided final set to take the match.

Jabeur pays homage to both raducanu and arab heritage

Competing in Abu Dhabi is the closest thing to playing in front of a home crowd that Jabeur has experienced.

As rumours and heated debate around the further involvement in tennis of Middle-Eastern states – namely, Saudi Arabia – Jabeur has been vocal in her support for more events to take place in the region.

Following the match, she paid homage to both her opponent on the day as well as her proud Tunisian heritage.

“She didn’t make it easy for me. Emma is such an amazing player,” Jabeur said in her on-court interview after the match.

“I wish her all the best. I know she can play much better. I’m a big fan of her. I’m looking forward to seeing her win more matches. Not against me, but against other players.

“I come from a very very small country that has a lot of potential. I’m very proud to be a Tunisian and Arab woman. To show the example that nothing is impossible.

“I wish all the best for all the women from my country and Arab countries. Also for the men, so they don’t get jealous.”

Jabeur will now face Beatriz Haddad Maia in the quarter-finals, after the big-hitting Brazilian overcame Magda Linette earlier in the day.

Based on the evidence of today’s showing, and with a significant contingent of Jabeur supporters in the crowd, it will take some performance to stop the the Tunisian in Abu Dhabi this week.

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