Sunday, June 20, 2021. 12:09 PM
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom – Tunisian Ons Jabeur became the first Arab woman to win a WTA Tour title thanks to her victory in Sunday’s final in Birmingham over Russia’s Darya Kasatkina, 7-5, 6-4.
Jabeur, 26, 24th in the world, had already reached two finals, in Moscow in 2018 where she lost against Kasatkina, and in Charleston this season.
“I knew I had to go for it, I had to win this title to finally breathe and set an example,” said Jabeur. “There aren’t many Tunisians or Arabs playing, so I hope that can inspire them, and I want to see more Arab and Tunisian players playing with me on the tour. “
On the Birmingham turf, the No. 2 seed managed to break in the first set, before losing his face-off, but the second break, at 5-5, was the right one.
Despite losing twice in three-set matches against Kasatkina, Jabeur only needed one match point to clinch the first title of her career, one week away from Wimbledon.
The Tunisian is in good shape this season, holding the record for number of games won (28), tied with former world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty.
