Marketa Vondrousova books her ticket to second Wimbledon final

Tunisian Ons Jabeur’s Redemption

Ons Jabeur, at 28 years old, is getting a second chance at Wimbledon glory after losing in the final last year. This year, her touch on the grass court, combined with her newfound mental strength, has worked wonders against some of the most powerful players in the game. Jabeur avenged her loss in the quarter-finals to last year’s champion Elena Rybakina, and followed it up with a victory over Aryna Sabalenka, the second-ranked player in the world.

Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open in January and reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year before being disqualified, came close to clinching the victory that would have also secured her the top spot in the world rankings. She won the first set and had a break confirmed in the second. However, Jabeur’s determination turned the tide, and she ultimately won the match 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-3. Jabeur expressed her gratitude to the supportive crowd, stating, “Accepting her services and powerful shots was very difficult, so thank you for believing in me and supporting me until the end.”

Jabeur admitted that her previous self would have lost this match, but she has learned to channel negative energy, such as frustration, into positive energy. She has found the strength to fight and is proud of her progress. With 39 winners, including 10 aces, Sabalenka outmatched Jabeur in terms of raw power. However, Jabeur’s fewer unforced errors (14 compared to Sabalenka’s 45) proved to be the deciding factor. It is a remarkable feat for Jabeur, who was the runner-up last year at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Czech Marketa Vondrousova’s Unexpected Journey

It has been a surprising and thrilling journey for Czech player Marketa Vondrousova at this year’s Wimbledon. Vondrousova, who is also seeking her first Grand Slam title after finishing as the runner-up at the 2019 French Open, caused a major upset by abruptly ending the dream run of Ukrainian Elina Svitolina with a decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Vondrousova, still in disbelief, expressed her initial doubts about her chances on the grass court, saying, “On clay or hard court, maybe I would have said it was possible [to reach the final]. But on grass, it was impossible.” However, she defied the odds by defeating Kudermetova (ranked 11th) and Vekic (ranked 21st), both excellent grass-court players. Vondrousova reflects on her unexpected success, stating, “OK, maybe I will improve and be able to do something here.”

Ranked 42nd in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Vondrousova joins the ranks of the least highly-ranked players to reach the final at the prestigious Wimbledon tournament. In 2018, Serena Williams, returning from maternity leave, was ranked 181st. Vondrousova acknowledges the surreal turn of events, but she believes anything is possible in tennis. She demonstrated her composure and mental strength when Svitolina made a comeback in the second set, erasing a 4-0 deficit to reach 4-3. Vondrousova praised her ability to stay focused and acknowledged her satisfaction with how she closed out the match.

Editorial: Unprecedented Final

The finalists in this year’s Wimbledon women’s singles tournament, Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova, have undoubtedly made history. Jabeur, the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam singles quarter-final and semifinal, is now aiming to become the first Tunisian player, male or female, to win a Grand Slam title. Vondrousova, on the other hand, hopes to secure her first Grand Slam championship and etch her name among the tennis greats.

The contrasting styles of these two players promise an intriguing and unpredictable final. Jabeur’s finesse and craftiness on the court, coupled with her newfound mental resilience, have proven to be a lethal combination. Her ability to outsmart and outmaneuver more powerful opponents sets her apart. On the other hand, Vondrousova possesses a unique blend of power and precision, capable of overpowering her opponents while maintaining remarkable accuracy. It will be a clash of styles and a test of versatility.

Regardless of the outcome, both Jabeur and Vondrousova have already proven themselves to be formidable players. Their journey to the final is a testament to their skill, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the world of tennis, showcasing the global reach and talent of the sport.

Advice: Savour the Moment

As the anticipation builds for the historic final, it is essential for Jabeur and Vondrousova to truly savour this moment. The pressure and expectations of a Grand Slam final can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember that reaching this stage is already a tremendous accomplishment. The journey to the final is a testament to their talent, dedication, and resilience.

Both players should approach the final with a positive mindset, focusing on their strengths and embracing the unique challenge that awaits them. Nerves are inevitable, but it is crucial to channel the energy into focused determination. Taking one point at a time, staying mentally strong, and maintaining composure will be key to success.

Regardless of the outcome, Jabeur and Vondrousova should be proud of their remarkable performances and the impact they have made on the sport. They have inspired countless aspiring tennis players around the world and left an indelible mark on the history of women’s tennis.

Ultimately, the women’s Wimbledon final is a celebration of diversity, talent, and the power of perseverance. It is a reminder that in the world of sports, anything is possible, and dreams can become reality.