The streak of major upsets continued at the US Open, as Ons Jabeur became the latest player to get eliminated. Last year’s runner-up, Jabeur looked strong before a sickness derailed her campaign. She made it to the fourth round despite it, but ultimately fell at the hands of Qinwen Zheng.
Zheng absolutely decimated Jabeur to reach her first-ever Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 20-year-old played aggressively from the beginning, pushing Ons on the backfoot. She ultimately dashed Jabeur’s quest for a major title by defeating her 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets.
Ever the crowd’s favorite, Jabeur wanted to avenge last year’s US Open final loss at the hands of Iga Swiatek. But she has to wait till next, to launch an effort to win her maiden Grand Slam.
A deserved ovation for Ons!
See you back in New York soon 👋 pic.twitter.com/lhNkQ37ivf
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2023
So far, Ons has played in three Grand Slam finals and has lost all three, her latest being at Wimbledon this year. She has been the runner-up at the All England Club, for two consecutive years. Last year she lost to Elena Rybakina at SW19 and followed it up with a loss to Swiatek at the Flushing Meadows. This year, Jabeur was a favorite at Wimbledon, but her efforts were in vain as she lost to Marketa Vondrousova.
With Jabeur out of the tournament, fans have taken to social to lambast her performance. A user even called Ons the, “Biggest flop in tennis history,” and another called her an overrated player. Here are a few fan reactions.
Biggest flop in tennis history same as Ruud.
— Ric (@DellEric2) September 4, 2023
Good riddance to an overrated player getting disproportionately bigger PR & favorable treatment from the media.
— AS (@CricketAS) September 4, 2023
Would have been better to retire if you knew you had an illness than to come on court to proof nonsense 🤦
— Eustace Onuh (@EustaceOnuh) September 4, 2023
Both of last year’s US Open finalists, Jabeur and Swiatek have been knocked out in the span of 24 hours. The tournament has been a rollercoaster so far. Zheng, who defeated Jabeur, will face off against Aryna Sabalenka next.
Ons Jabeur opens up about her failure
Qinwen Zheng thrashed Jabeur to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Flushing Meadows. Following her loss, Jabeur opened up about her performance.
Ons sounded tired at the press conference but gave very frank answers. “I was pretty tense today. But yeah, if it’s not your day, it’s not your day. I felt even in the rallies I wasn’t playing my game,” said Ons.
Just too good by Zheng Qinwen who wins 20-shot rally against Ons Jabeur with a massive winner 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qOXyBqBqCP
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) September 4, 2023
Jabeur gave credit to Zheng for playing the way she did. Jabeur further added that she was grateful to even get to the fourth round because at one point it looked unlikely.
Ons is loved by fans and peers alike. Despite her early exit from the tournament, Ons Jabeur will come back stronger next year. She always does.