It was not the Ons Jabeur of the great days Wednesday in Cincinnati. Opposed to the American Catherine McNally (20 years old), much more referenced for her brilliance in doubles, in particular associated with Cori Gauff, the Tunisian suffered to finally win the tie-break of the third set (6-3 , 4-6, 7-6 [7]), after 2h25 of a match where she played in fits and starts, without ever really radiating.
Not really explosive in her movements, not always rigorous in the placement, sometimes a little nonchalant in her strikes, the world number 5 and finalist at Wimbledon went very close to the correctional against the 179th world who, she, bravely disputed her luck from the second set. Carried by her audience, the native of Cincinnati played on her industry and her qualities as a doubles player, aggressive behind her first ball and propelled by a quality volley.
In the end, Jabeur even had to dismiss three match points, including two in a row, at 5-6, 15-40 on his serve, in the final set! It therefore passes ric-rac for the Tunisian, who will have to do a lot more in the game in the next round against Petra Kvitova.
