CHARLESTON, S.C.: Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur won the championship rematch with Belinda Bencic at the Charleston Open on Sunday 7-6 (6), 6-4 for her third career WTA title.
Jabeur, seeded second in the season’s first clay-court event, defeated the fourth-seeded Bencic of Switzerland, who had won the event title a year ago in three sets and started strongly in seeking a second straight trophy.
Jabeur turned things around while trailing 5-3 in the opening set, a rally that included a between-the-legs return and saving two set points to win the tiebreak.
Jabeur broke Bencic’s serve three times in the final set. When Bencic hit her service return wide, Jabeur raised her arms in triumph for her first victory in the United States.
“I wish every tournament is like this, really (mean that) from the heart,” Jabeur said in accepting the trophy. “Really amazing tournament and I hope I can come back.”
When she does, it’ll be as defending champion.
Bencic advanced to the second straight final about 30 minutes before it began, finishing off a straight set victory over No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula by winning the final five points of a tiebreaker.
Jabeur looked like the one who might’ve needed more rest early on. She lost her serve in the opening game of the finals and struggled to figure out Bencic’s serves.
It changed for good with her miraculous return, down 5-4, on a ball Bencic hit from the net right at her opponent. Jabeur jumped with legs apart and the racket behind and down between them to get the ball back over the net.
Bencic held two set points in the tiebreaker that Jabeur fought off. Bencic watched a Jabeur’s ball hit the line and threw her racket. Jabeur’s hit another sideline on set point that Bencic thought was out, but the chair umpire ruled in it as Bencic pleaded her case to no avail.
Jabeur took a 4-1 lead in the second set and held on for her first title since winning on grass in Berlin last June, also defeating Bencic.
The defeat ended Bencic’s 10-match win streak on Charleston’s green clay.
Tunisia’s Jabeur wins WTA Charleston rematch over Bencic
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Tunisia’s Jabeur wins WTA Charleston rematch over Bencic
- Jabeur, seeded second in the season’s first clay-court event, defeated the fourth-seeded Bencic of Switzerland
Eala electrifies packed crowd with remarkable comeback win at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Filipina star defeated Sasnovich 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 in thrilling encounter to secure quarterfinal spot
ABU DHABI: On a dramatic day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Filipina star Alexandra Eala delivered the headline moment, emerging a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 winner from a thrilling near three-hour epic against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
The electric atmosphere at packed Stadium Court proved pivotal as Eala fought back from 4-0 down in the deciding set, with the crowd’s roaring support spurring her on through a dramatic tiebreak victory that secured her place in the quarterfinals. The Filipina star’s remarkable comeback had the stands erupting in celebration.
“The support is really great (in Abu Dhabi),” said Eala following her victory.
“I’ve been in a lot of positions before with a lot of people, but this year has really stepped up a notch. With every match I play in these environments, I’m learning to have fun and enjoy it. What’s special here is seeing the crowd get excited, and knowing there are so many Filipino expats in the region who come together for moments like this. It’s a platform for them to celebrate and share in something they’re excited about. I’m really grateful for that support.”
Earlier in the day, Ekaterina Alexandrova proved too strong for Dayana Yastremska in straight sets, while Czech qualifier Sara Belem produced a stunning upset over former finalist Jelena Ostapenko. British No. 2 Sonay Kartal also advanced, defeating lucky loser Renata Zarazua in straight sets — Zarazua stepping in after defending champion Belinda Bencic unfortunately withdrew due to illness.
On the doubles side, the quarterfinals saw Perez and Schurs defeat Alexandrova and Joint in a super tiebreak, while Khromacheva and Klepac progressed in a closely contested three-set battle. Kenin and Krawczyk advanced via walkover.
