Anastasia Potapova, currently ranked 27th in the world, orchestrated a remarkable upset that left the tennis world in awe. Her straight-set victory over a top player, Ons Jabeur, in the WTA San Diego Open quarterfinals sent shockwaves through the tournament and showcased her rising status in the sport.
Jabeur, who had enjoyed a bye in the first round, couldn’t escape Potapova’s relentless onslaught. Her defeat marked her second consecutive setback following a fourth-round loss at the US Open. Potapova’s triumph not only propelled her into the quarterfinals but also set the stage for an exciting showdown with Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion.
Reactions from fans
However, it wasn’t just the players on the court who were engrossed in their match. Tennis fans took to social media to express their disdain for Jabeur’s performance, despite her high ranking. Some of the fan reactions were totally dismissive of Ons Jabeur. One of the tennis fans didn’t mince words, simply stating, “Ons Jabeur is so trash it’s crazy. 5 in the world my a**.”
ons jabeur is so trash it’s crazy. #5 in the world my ass
— Big Jarry (@jarrrry) September 13, 2023
Another criticized Jabeur’s mental strength, stating, “Ons Jabeur’s mental game is extremely weak for such a talented player. Playing in this tournament is also dumb given she’s still recovering from whatever she had during the Open.
And, further rebuked Jabeur for focusing on wins rather than playing all tournaments, saying, “Sorry, but you don’t get credit for bravery; wins are what matters.”
Ons Jabeur mental game is extremely weak for such a talented player. Playing in this tournament is also dumb given she still recovering from whatever she had during the Open. Sorry but you don’t get credit for bravery, wins are what matters
— Angel Medina (@AngelMe15045216) September 13, 2023
Highlighting the competitive nature of pro tennis, another fan pointed at Ons, and remarked, “I would say that Ons Jabeur just suffered the most embarrassing [loss]… but we all know someone will outdo her tomorrow…This sport has some of the least emotionally capable people on the planet.”
I would say that Ons Jabeur just suffered the most embarrassing professional tennis loss of the week, but we all know someone will out-do her tomorrow. This sport has some of the least emotionally capable people on the planet.
— Ryan (@OmaLAW2019) September 13, 2023
Potapova’s stunning upset over Ons Jabeur at the WTA San Diego Open this week not only showcased her rising talent but also drew intense criticism from fans regarding Jabeur’s performance and mental resilience, despite her high world ranking. Tennis, as a sport, often brings both highly celebrated triumphs and crushing defeats, and the reactions from fans reflect the unforgiving nature of the game.
Anastasia Potapova’s surprise victory over Ons Jabeur, and a mother’s dilemma
Anastasia Potapova delivered an exceptional performance in the second round of the San Diego Open, claiming victory over the tournament’s top seed, Ons Jabeur, with a score of 6-4, 7-6(4). This win marked Potapova’s sixth top-10 victory in her career, reaffirming her ability to take on formidable opponents.
The battle on the court lasted for 1 hour and 46 minutes, showcasing Potapova’s resilience and unyielding determination. She capitalized on six of her 11 break-point opportunities, ultimately clinching a well-deserved triumph.
Following the match, Potapova expressed her elation and acknowledged Jabeur’s standing in the tennis world, saying, “Obviously, I’m very happy because she’s a very tough opponent. She’s one of the best in the world, there’s no doubt about this.”
My number #1❤️😇🦾 @WTA pic.twitter.com/8bvD7V8E60
— Anastasia Potapova/Анастасия Потапова (@nastiaapotapova) April 25, 2022
She also hilariously revealed, “My mother, she loves [Jabeur] so much. Every time I talk to my mom… she’s like, ‘Call Ons! She’s my best player!’ They’re actually pretty good friends. I don’t know if she’s happy that I won today.”
Despite Jabeur’s prior victory in their lone meeting on grass in 2021, Potapova turned the tide this time around. This victory not only highlighted Potapova’s skills on the court but also provided a testament to her potential as a rising tennis star!
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