WTA Finals: Jabeur beats Vondrousova in repeat of Wimbledon final; donates prize money to Palestinians
The Tunisian is now 1-1 in round-robin play at the WTA Finals and takes on world No 2 Iga Swiatek on Friday
Ons Jabeur, WTA Finals 2023 | © WTA / Tennis Majors
The last time Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova faced off, it was the Czech who walked away with the win and the Wimbledon singles title, crushing the Tunisian’s long-cherished dream of winning a Major.
On Wednesday, at the WTA Finals in Cancun, Jabeur avenged that loss with a straight-sets 6-4, 6-3 win over the Czech in one hour and 29 minutes. The win ties the head-to-head between the two players at 4-4.
It’s very tough seeing children, babies dying every day.
Ons Jabeur on the current situation between Israel and Palestine
After the match, Jabeur broke down while speaking during her on-court interview, saying that had been very unhappy with the current situation around Palestine and Israel. The Tunisian added that she would be donating a part of her prize money this week to help the Palestinians.
“I am very happy with the win, but I haven’t been happy lately, to be honest with you. The situation in the world doesn’t make me happy,” Jabeur said. “It’s very tough seeing children, babies dying every day. It’s heartbreaking. I’ve decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians. I cannot be happy with just this win, with what is happening. I’m sorry guys, [I know] it’s supposed to be about tennis, but it’s very frustrating looking at videos every day. I’m sorry, it’s not a political message. It’s just humanity. I want peace in this world and that’s it.”
Jabeur to play Swiatek next with semi-final berth on the line
The win takes Jabeur, who lost to Coco Gauff on Monday, to 1-1 in round-robin play while Vondrousova drops to 0-2. However, all four players in the group are still in with a chance to qualify for the semis.
World No 2 Iga Swiatek, who has won both her matches so far, looks the safest bet for one of the two semi-final spots from the Chetumal group and takes on Jabeur on Friday. Gauff, who is also 1-1, will meet Vondrousova in the second match on Friday.
Group standings at the end of Wednesday:
- Iga Swiatek 2-0
- Coco Gauff 1-1
- Ons Jabeur 1-1
- Marketa Vondrousova 0-2
