Ons Jabeur jokes about having "1 big trophy and 1 small trophy" after Charleston Open triumph
Ons Jabeur was all praise for her title-round opponent and defending champion Belinda Bencic, who she beat 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to emerge triumphant in the 2023 Charleston Open.
The Tunisian, who suffered early exits in Miami and Indian Wells, has thus clinched her first title of the year and second career title on clay after having won the Madrid Open last year.
Jabeur called Bencic an "amazing competitor" while also adding that it was great to have played against the 26-year-old in so many tournaments. She also joked that they both had a big trophy and a small trophy each, having lost the Charleston finals against the Swiss player in 2022.
"Thank you Charleston. This is amazing. Belinda, you know how much I love you. We both have one big trophy and one small trophy. Your'e an amazing competitor and an amazing friend. So glad to be able to share the court with you and to be able to be by your side in so many tournaments. Its really amazing to have people like you," Ons Jabeur stated as part of her victory speech.
Belinda Bencic, who ended up playing two matches on Sunday following a rain-interrupted semifinal, acknowledged Jabuer's compliments with a smile.
Jabeur, who won the tournament without dropping a set, had earlier staved off a determined challenge from Daria Kasatkina in the semifinals, coming through with a 7-5, 7-5 win against the 2017 champion.
The current World No. 4 made history last season after reaching the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open.
The crucial "front tweener" that swung the momentum in Ons Jabeur's favour
Ons Jabeur's amazing reflexes were on display in the final of the 2023 Charleston Open against Belinda Bencic.
With Bencic leading 5-4 in the first set, the Arab star had the ball coming straight at her body. Displaying some amazing innovation, Jabeur spread her legs, jumped, and positioned her racquet behind her legs to send off a spectacular return.
She finally won the point with a backhand crosscourt before gesturing with a clenched fist. The 28-year-old admitted after the match that she got "lucky" and was "creative" with the shot that turned the tide in her favor.
a front tweener? 😳
A FRONT TWEENER! 🤩
@Ons_Jabeur | #CharlestonOpen https://t.co/rkPzxIqBBM
"I reacted very fast. I saw the ball coming at me, so I was like, 'Okay, I'm just going to give her one more ball to play, and see.' I'm surprised that she didn't anticipate on the cross, because that's where I usually play my shots," Jabeur said after the win.
"But I think I was lucky and creative with that shot, which was amazing, and it changed up the game a bit for the first set, for sure," she added.
Ons Jabeur has now won 37 matches on clay since the start of the 2020 season.