Ons Jabeur rallied from one set down to beat 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu 5-7 6-3 10-8 in the exhibition match at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Raducanu came back from a break down twice to win the first set 7-5. Jabeur, who reached two Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and at the US Open, fought back to win the second set 6-3.
Both players entertained the crowd with a series of spectacular point in the decisive 10-poiunt match tie-break. Raducanu moved ahead 8-6, but Jabeur hit two forehand winners down the line and won the final four points of the match tie-break to seal the win 10-8 with an ace.
“Emma did not make it easy for me. She is still younger than me, so take it easy please. I can’t really express how happy I am to see a lot of Tunisians following me, not just from Tunisia, but from the rest of the Arab world”, said Jabeur.
Raducanu was supposed to play against Belinda Bencic in the women’s exhibition match last year, but she was tested positive for Covid at the last moment. Jabeur was drafted in as a late replacement.
Raducanu was happy with her performance despite the loss.
“I am so glad this year that I was able to make it out of the hotel room. Last year I had a bit of shocker. It’s amazing to play here in front of all of you. This is Ons Jabeur’s house, so thank you for having me”, said Raducanu.
