Jabeur flicks the switch and rallies past Pegula to stay in contention at WTA Finals

Wednesday evening’s critical fight for survival between Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula started as one-way traffic in the wrong direction for the Tunisian wunderkind. But the “Minister of Happiness”, wearing a determined frown for times during the match, flipped the script and found her way back for a satisfying 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Pegula to significantly increase her chances of qualifying for the semi-finals in Fort Worth.

Meanwhile, Pegula drops to 0-2 in singles, and falls to the bottom of the Nancy Richey Group standings – she’ll need a minor miracle to qualify after losing her ninth consecutive decision to a top-5 opponent.

Jabeur – I had to keep pushing

After getting blitzed in a lopsided opening set, Jabeur found herself locked in a tight second set after a trade or breaks, at 3-all. From there the Tunisian found her next level, trotting off the final four games of the set to force a decider.

“It’s never easy playing Jess,” Jabeur explained. “She plays super fast and it was super fast for me from the beginning, so I had to find the rhythm. I had to keep pushing myself and my team really helped me here, and the crowd.” 

Jabeur showed true grit early in the third, fighting off five break points to hold for 1-0 and drawing a line in the sand that Pegula would never cross. Pegula saved four break points (two at 0-1 and another two at 2-3) but Jabeur raced away with the final three games, winning 12 of the last 13 points in the match.

Jabeur representing more than herself – and proud of it

One thing that has not changed over the course of Jabeur’s remarkable 2022 season? Her willingness to discuss her role as an ambassador for Tunisian women, Arab women and women in general (To be fair she’s inspired plenty of men across the globe as well).

“I’m definitely proud to represent you know, Tunisian women, Arab women and, and every woman in this world honestly,” she told the crowd after her 47th win of the season. “It’s tough, it’s been a difficult journey but I’m here, I am maintaining my goals. 

“I want to be one of the greatest players in the world, making History. It’s part of what I want to do and honestly, I would not have done it without you guys and thank you really for your support.”

Current standings of the Nancy Richey Group

And some notes, per WTA statistics:

• Sakkari advances if she wins in straight sets Wednesday (position in group TBD)
• If Sabalenka and Jabeur win Wednesday, Sabalenka advances as group winner and Pegula is eliminated
• (Sakkari and Jabeur would play for second spot Friday)
• Any other combination of results will mean advancement comes down to the final matches