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Ons Jabeur US Open
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‘I’m much better mentally’, says Ons Jabeur after beating Coco Gauff to reach Charleston semi-finals


Ons Jabeur reached the semi-finals of the WTA 500 event in Charleston on Friday after beating Coco Gauff for the first time.

The world No. 28 won 6-3, 6-3 in a match where she was more solid than 17-year-old American Gauff – who hit 13 double faults.

The Tunisian lost both of her previous meetings with the world No. 36 last year. This is Jabeur’s first WTA semi-final appearance since Tianjin in 2019, after losing in all five quarter-finals she made in 2020.

“Maybe this year is a revenge year for me. Honestly, mentally-wise I’m much better. I’m getting there,” Jabeur said in a post-match interview.

“I had my opportunities against her (Gauff) last year. She’s a great player. I know exactly what I’m going to face and I was ready for the battle.

“I’m glad that I’m playing good now. I know that clay is amazing and I gotta say, I have been enjoying sliding a lot lately. It’s the best part of the clay.

“I like the green clay. It’s different than the red clay but I like it. The bounce is not too high, it’s not too low. It’s a good balance for me.

“I’m just trying to play my game. I’m trying to enjoy after a very tough start to the season. A lot of expectations. I’m really glad I got to prove myself this week and I’m in the semifinals.”

Jabeur will face world No. 91 Danka Kovinic in the semi-finals.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.