Ons Jabeur emerged victorious in the 2023 Charleston Open, defeating her title-round opponent and defending champion Belinda Bencic with a score of 7-6 (8-6) 6-4. The Tunisian player has now claimed her first title of the year and her second career title on clay, having previously won the Madrid Open last year. In her victory speech, Jabeur praised Bencic’s athleticism and sportsmanship, stating that it was great to have played against her in so many tournaments.
Jabeur’s Previous Matches and Career Achievements
Prior to the Charleston Open’s final match, Jabeur had managed to stave off a determined challenge from Daria Kasatkina, the 2017 champion, in the semifinals with a 7-5, 7-5 win. Jabeur, now ranked as the World No. 4, made history during the previous season by reaching the finals of both Wimbledon and the US Open. Throughout the tournament, the tennis star displayed impressive skill and precision, not dropping a single set.
The “Front Tweener” Shot
Jabeur’s amazing reflexes were on full display during the final match against Belinda Bencic, notably when she executed an impressive “front tweener” shot. With Bencic having taken a 5-4 lead in the first set, Jabeur managed to jump and position her racquet behind her legs to send off a spectacular return. She ultimately won the point with a backhand crosscourt, earning enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Jabeur’s Thoughts on the Match
In discussing her victory, Jabeur commented on the front tweener shot, acknowledging that she was both “lucky” and “creative” in executing it. She also admitted that her ability to react quickly and keep Bencic on her toes played a significant role in her success. To date, Jabeur has won an impressive 37 matches on clay since the beginning of the 2020 season, proving her prowess on this challenging playing surface.
