A year ago, Ons Jabeur might have faltered facing the deficit she encountered in the Wimbledon semifinals. Down a set and a break in the second, she was on the verge of defeat. However, crediting her sports psychologist for helping her maintain focus under pressure, Jabeur rallied to secure her spot in a second consecutive Wimbledon final, her third Grand Slam title match in the last five tournaments.
The sixth-seeded Jabeur triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3. Reflecting on her growth, Jabeur acknowledged, "I’m very proud of myself, because maybe the old me would have lost the match today. I’m glad that I kept digging deep and finding the strength." She emphasized her evolving ability to channel negative energy into positive momentum, explaining how she overcame frustration after dropping the first set. "Some things I have no control over, like her aces. But I’m glad that I’m accepting it and fighting to win this match – and, hopefully, this tournament."
Standing between Jabeur and the Wimbledon title is Marketa Vondrousova, the unseeded Czech player who upset Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-3, becoming the first unseeded women’s finalist at Wimbledon since 1963. Both Jabeur and Vondrousova have reached major finals before but are yet to claim a Grand Slam title. "We’re both hungry," Jabeur remarked.
Jabeur's victory over the Australian Open champion Sabalenka follows wins against other major title holders, including Rybakina, Kvitova, and Andreescu. "I want to make my path worth it," she stated. Her win prevented Sabalenka from claiming the world No. 1 ranking. Sabalenka, reflecting on the match, admitted, "I had so many opportunities. Overall, I didn’t play my best tennis today. It was a combo of everything – nerves and a little bit of luck for her."
Jabeur trailed 4-2 in the second set before turning the tide. After a crucial break, she celebrated by holding her finger to her ear and wagging it. Sabalenka's unforced errors mounted, ultimately contributing to her defeat. "I was a little bit emotionally down, then she was up," Sabalenka commented.
Despite facing four match points, Jabeur sealed her victory with a powerful ace. In the earlier semifinal, Vondrousova dominated against Svitolina, who was aiming to become the first Ukrainian woman to reach a major final. Svitolina, playing after returning from maternity leave, acknowledged the pressure but refused to use it as an excuse.
Vondrousova, who missed significant time last year due to wrist surgeries, expressed gratitude for her return to top-level competition. "It’s not always easy to come back," she shared. "I just feel grateful to be on a court again, to play without pain."
