Wimbledon 2021: Ons Jabeur knocks out former champion Muguruza, Slaone Stephens ousted

Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur created history at Wimbledon as she became the first Arab woman to reach the second week at The Championships. Jabeur defeated former champion Garbine Muguruza to reach the pre-quarterfinals in the women’s singles event on Friday.

Ons Jabeur, who had made the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2020, came up with a stunning effort as she fought back behind on Friday. After dropping the first set, 5-7, Jabeur defeated the 11th seed 5-7, 6-3, 6-2.

Jabeur, who last month became the first Arab woman to win a WTA title when she triumphed on grass in Birmingham, will face 2020 French Open winner Iga Swiatek on Monday.

The Tunisian began nervously with a couple of double-faults to drop her opening service game but from then on she gave Muguruza a torrid time as took the 2017 winner out of her comfort zone. To her credit former world number one Muguruza won the opening set as her power game just about held sway but she never looked comfortable trying to solve the Jabeur puzzle.

From 3-3 in the second set Jabeur began to take control and there was an air of slight desperation about Muguruza as struggled to figure out what her opponent would do next.

Jabuer, who is an inspiration to Arab sportswomen, called the 3rd-round win the best day of her career.

“This is the best day of my career,” Jabeur said on court to an appreciative crowd.

“I was a bit nervous today. She plays unbelievable on grass, it was difficult in the first set but after that I stayed more calm. When I play loose and good everything gets better.”

Sloane Stephens ousted in 3rd round at Wimbledon

Earlier in the day, former US Open champion Sloane Stephens was knocked out in the women’s singles third round. She was beaten by wildcard Ludmilla Samsonova 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

Less than a month ago, Samsonova was still looking to break into the top 100 in the rankings while trying to qualify for the Berlin grass court event.

The 22-year-old racked up seven straight wins to win her maiden WTA title in the German capital, becoming the first qualifier to win a WTA 500 event since Tsvetana Pironkova won Sydney in 2014.

Samsonova’s strong serve and thunderous baseline hitting was once again on display on Court One as she broke Stephens’ serve three times to claim the opening set.

Stephens, chasing a second week appearance at the All England Club for the first time since 2013, fought back with some brilliant court coverage and counter-punching but once again fell behind early in the final set and eventually crashed out.