Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur has been knocked out of the ongoing Australian Open by America’s Sofia Kenin in straight set 6-4, 6-4.
The big hitting Tunisian who is ranked 78 in the world, wasted three breakpoint chances in the second set with 36 unforced.
Jabeur threw her racket away in disgust after a series of errors before been broken by Kenin in the seventh game of the second set.
“it feels really good,” Kenin said during her post-match press conference. “I’m super excited for it. I think overall, I played really well. I tried to handle the nerves, obviously nerves coming into this match. I think I did a really good job handling myself.”
Kenin earned a landmark victory after an hour and 32 minutes of play, in what was the first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance for both players, and in the process, improved her head-to-head record against Jabeur to 4-1 with the victory.
“[Jabeur is] a really tough player”.
“I knew she’s going to come out playing strong. She’s had really good matches, good wins. It wasn’t an easy one, it wasn’t an easy battle. All respect to her.”
Jabeur became the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam fourth round and quarterfinal after she knocked out former World No.1, Caroline Wozniacki in the Dane’s last match.
Kenin next faces home favourite and World No.1 Ashleigh Barty, who eliminated 2019 finalist Petra Kvitova in straight sets 7-6,6-2.