Ons Jabeur emphatically defeated world #28 Ekaterina Alexandrova to ensure her place in the Round of 16 at the WTA Brisbane International. In a fascinating but brief tie she performed wonderfully, reminding the tennis world of just how good she really is.
Positive Signs for Ons Jabeur
A More Positive Showing
In her straight-sets victory over the Russian she looked much more like her former self. Of course, her 7-6 6-4 first-round victory against Saisai Zheng was satisfactory. Truthfully, though, against a wild card ranked outside the top six hundred, she could have been much more efficient. She won just 51% of her first serve points and lacked consistency from the baseline. Admittedly, consistency hasn’t historically been one of Jabeur’s strong points; her maverick-style game is less orthodox. Nevertheless, on Monday, she was her own worst enemy at times.
A day later the rate rose to 66% and her all-around game resembled more of what we have come to adore from the Tunisian. Sheer quality, variety and entertainment were all at the forefront. She breezed through all but one of her service games, and made her opponent fight hard for her own games. Level at three games all in the first set, she would only lose another three in the final eleven games.
A firing Jabeur is an Asset to the Sport
Tennis will reap the benefits of a returning Jabeur this season, should she reach the top. In a sport which is dominated by big hitters like Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina and counter punchers such as Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, the 30-year-old offers something different.
She absorbs power and redirects it like no one else. Her tennis IQ is mind-blowing, and she brings style and enjoyment to the sport. She is the type of athlete that is hard not to love: an underdog from a non-traditional tennis country fighting against the odds.
Plus, there is the feel good factor that a success story would bring. With three Grand Slam finals, and three consecutive heartbreaks, finally jumping over that hurdle would be incredibly special.
The Prospects
Yet, how likely is that? She hasn’t had her problems to seek on the injury forefront and she recently reached her 30th birthday. She hasn’t shied away from a desire for motherhood so her years left on tour may be limited.
Away from the hypotheticals, though, in the meantime her game is still there. She has the talent to turn up for any given two weeks a season and be a Grand Slam contender. She can beat anyone.
As always she will have Wimbledon at the back of her mind. Should she be fit, on the London Grass Courts she is always a factor. It will come down to whether she can break that mental barrier.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
