LONDON: Ons Jabeur is confident she can challenge at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week after beating Donna Vekic in straight sets.
It was the Tunisian’s first win over a top 30 player this year and having set her stall with the 6-4, 7-6 victory Jabeur sounded in bullish mood.
Next up for the 24-year-old is two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina, and she said: “We know each other from the juniors. It will be tough for both of us — no stress for me I am going to do my best and hopefully go for the win.”
While Jabeur has not had the easiest start to the year — first round defeats at the Australian Open and in Doha last week, doing nothing for her confidence — this is the first year she is playing at the Aviation Club on merit through her world ranking, rather than a wildcard. And against the world No. 25 she showed that on her day she can be a match for anyone.
“It’s always a pleasure to be in Dubai I feel like its home,” the
Tunisian said.
“It was tough in the second set but thanks to the support of the fans we made it through.
“(Donna) is playing really good, we played last year and she won, this is kind of my revenge. I am happy with this win. I am starting better this year than last year so I am going to look forward to playing more matches and win more.”
There is little doubting that Svitolina will provide a much sterner test. The world No. 6 is the defending champion and made the last-four in Qatar last week. There is, however, no doubting that Jabeur could have the weapons to upset the Ukrainian. The Tunisian is versatile and has a much different game from the rest of the field, her slice-and-dice game enough to trouble anyone not on top of their game.
“I am here on merit. It’s very important not on wildcard. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I hope I can do the best ever in Dubai.”
Ons Jabeur in bullish mood ahead of Elina Svitolina clash in Dubai
Ons Jabeur in bullish mood ahead of Elina Svitolina clash in Dubai
- Tunisian records first win over a top-30 player of the year with straight sets victory again Donna Vekic
- Jabeur now faces defending Dubai champion Svitolina in second round.
Real head coach Alonso expecting tough Spanish Super Cup 2026 semi with city neighbors
- Alonso told the press that Real Madrid will be able to present a better image of themselves than the one from the 5-2 La Liga defeat to Atletico
- Diego Simeone: I have confidence in my players and we are all looking forward to winning and qualifying for the final match
JEDDAH: Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Real Madrid, is preparing for a tough match against Atletico Madrid in the semifinal match of Spanish Super Cup 2026 held in Jeddah.
He emphasized his confidence in his team and his determination to win and qualify to the final match on Sunday.
In a pre-match press conference on Wednesday held in Jeddah, Alonso told the press that Real Madrid will be able to present a better image of themselves than the one from the 5-2 defeat to Atletico.
“It’s a semifinal match, we have to be very well prepared mentally and compete. Pay attention to the small details. They’re always a tough opponent, but we have energy and desire. It’s the first title of the season, and that’s why it’s the most important.”
Speaking about the previous loss against Atletico Madrid, he said: “We don’t want to repeat what happened back then, I’m convinced this time will be different.”
Alonso was accompanied by Jude Bellingham who also expressed his teammates’ preparation for the Madrid’s derby, he said: “They are a tough opponent. We have to learn from that league match against them, our first defeat of the season.”
Bellingham spoke about whether Real Madrid players had revenge on their mind heading into the derby, “We know how important this match is, especially after that 5-2 loss. So, we have to play with heart and mind.”
Asked about his opinion on the 2034 World Cup to be held here in Saudi Arabia, he commented: “I think they are capable of organizing such an event because they have solid infrastructure.”
He praised the facilities and stadiums, describing them as being of a high standard, stressing that the atmosphere is suitable to major matches and large crowds, noting that his experience in the past two seasons was wonderful, while wishing to return to Saudi Arabia time and time again in light of the continuous development.
Earlier on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and midfielder Koke held a pre-match press conference.
Koke talked about his legacy in the Madrid derby, as he is going to be the player with the most official derbies played in history.
“I haven’t thought about it. It’s always special to play a derby, to play a semifinal,” Koke said.
“In a semifinal against Real Madrid, there’s not much more motivation than winning,” he added.
Meanwhile, Simeone told the press that they are preparing for a tough match against Real Mad.
“I have confidence in my players and we are all looking forward to winning and qualifying for the final match,” he said.
Speaking about organizing the 20234 World Cup by Saudi Arabia, the Argentina coach said: ” It is always great to be here and we have been receiving great hospitality since we arrived. In addition the Saudis have been kind and respectful. I believe we will have a wonderful World Cup here in Saudi Arabia.”
