For all the pressure that accompanies Ons Jabeur’s dream to become a Wimbledon champion, a smile is never far away.
It could be that Jabeur – or, as she is fondly referenced in her homeland of Tunisia, the Minister of Happiness – appreciates an important broader objective in her history making progress: “Being a good person, as well as a good player.”
The refreshing perspective can be a helpful accompaniment to the renowned versatility that helped Jabeur make history as the first Arab player to reach a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon last year.
Certainly it was a helpful combination as the world No.6 took another big step towards her dream at Wimbledon, with a come-from-behind third round win over Bianca Andreescu.
On paper, Jabeur’s 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Andreescu, ranked 44 places lower at world No.50, would seem expected as she managed both the big occasion and a rain delay in the third set. But the Canadian is of course a major champion, defeating Serena Williams in the final to claim the 2019 US Open at age 19.
“I got to thank the rain a little bit for letting me speak to my coach and have a better perspective about the match,” a relieved Jabeur related post match.
“I felt like I didn't play my best tennis … I wanted to be more aggressive and just play my game, but I'm playing against a Grand Slam champion, such an amazing champion and she made the mission tougher today.”
Andreescu is also a former world No.4, who is working hard to regain those heights if her earlier progress at The Championships is a guide.
Progress against Anna Bondar and Anhelina Kalinina had required both skill and determination, with each match going the full three sets.
Jabeur, in contrast, had dropped just eight games to advance against Magdalena Frech and Zhuoxuan Bai. Facing the similarly stylish Andreescu – who is mercurially gifted if at times inconsistent – presented a far different test.
“It was kind of a little bit frustrating – her drop shots, her slices were kind of annoying,” Jabeur laughed.
There were times when there was little that Jabeur could do to combat the Canadian’s combination of touch and power, which helped her claim the 31-minute first set on the back of a single service break.
But with a break point saved in the opening game of the second set, the No.6 seed seemed to settle, Jabeur’s renowned variety starting to feature as she converted her first break point to take a 4-2 lead. Winning every point of her next two service games, Jabeur calmly levelled the match.
As clouds gathered over the All England Club, Jabeur fittingly weathered the storm when Andreescu once again lifted her level to take the first break for a 3-1 lead in the third set.
The Tunisian responded by gaining the break back, just as rain forced the suspension of play while the roof was closed.
Jabeur competed with critical composure on resumption, saving two break points on her own serve. Three games later, Andreescu suddenly faltered; double faults and unforced errors featuring as she dropped serve to love.
The Tunisian didn’t hesitate as she served out the victory, arguably helped by the memories of featuring in a three-set final as she made yet more progress on her favourite court.
“(It’s) very emotional, you know, just coming back here after a great final last year,” Jabeur reflected. “I just love the energy, how beautiful it is. Hopefully I can come back and play more matches here.”
New this year:
See the draw like never before, with interactive Path to the Final view of the draw by clicking a player’s name on the draws page
See the projected Path to the Final of every player in the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ singles draws with IBM Likely to Play
View how favourable or difficult a player's draw is, with IBM AI Draw
