Ons Jabeur has emerged victorious at the 2023 Charleston Open, overcoming a challenging start to the season.
Jabeur's road to victory wasn't without its hurdles. After early exits from the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami Open, the 2023 Charleston Open provided a much-needed opportunity for redemption. Having reached the finals in the previous year, Jabeur was determined to prove herself once again on the familiar court.
In a rematch against last year's opponent, Belinda Bencic, Jabeur displayed her qualities and ability to fight back. Despite a rocky start in the first set, with a 3-5 deficit and her serve broken in the opening game, Jabeur refused to back down. She demonstrated exceptional mental strength, saving two set points in a nail-biting tie-break after trailing 4-6.
The second set was equally intense, with both players trading multiple breaks. However, it was Jabeur's relentless determination that ultimately made the difference, breaking Bencic's serve twice and securing the win with a third break of her own.
After two hours of battling it out, the Tunisian won 7-6(6), 6-4 after facing three more break points in the final game of the match.
This remarkable victory not only marks Jabeur's first title of the 2023 season but also catapults her to 4th place in the WTA Rankings, overtaking Caroline Garcia.
As the clay-court season continues, Jabeur's triumph in Charleston signals a renewed confidence in her game.