Jabeur Defeats Teenage Sensation Sonobe, Badosa and Kasatkina Upset in Abu Dhabi
Ons Jabeur Advances to the Quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis star, delivered a commanding performance to secure her spot in the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. On Wednesday, she triumphed over rising Japanese teenager Wakana Sonobe with a convincing 6-3 victory.
This win not only propels Jabeur to the next round but also highlights her dominance against a young and promising opponent. After the match, Jabeur shared her thoughts: “It was definitely a great match for me. It’s always tough playing against young players, especially left-handers—it’s never easy. I’m happy to have won in straight sets.” Her confidence reflects her steady return to top form following an injury setback.
Jabeur’s Performance in Abu Dhabi
With this victory, Jabeur has equaled her performance from last year’s Abu Dhabi tournament, where she also reached the quarterfinals before falling to Beatriz Haddad Maia. Advancing this far once again demonstrates her ability to maintain high-level play and contend for titles in the 2025 season.
Showdown with Elena Rybakina
In the upcoming quarterfinals, Jabeur is set to face top seed Elena Rybakina from Kazakhstan in a highly anticipated rematch. This encounter rekindles their rivalry from the 2022 Wimbledon final, where Rybakina claimed victory. However, Jabeur avenged that loss in their most recent clash at the 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinals, setting the stage for another thrilling battle.
Comeback from Injury
Jabeur is gradually recovering from a serious shoulder injury that sidelined her from August 2024 until the end of the year. With a remarkable 8-3 record in 2025, she is proving that she is back at her best. This resurgence is not only boosting her confidence but also inspiring her fans.
Speaking about her mindset, Jabeur stated, “This season, I’m really trying to focus on myself, to be healthier on the court. At the same time, I’m not overly fixated on results—I just want to enjoy my time on the court.” Her approach suggests a shift in perspective, prioritizing mental and physical well-being over external pressures.
The Rise of Wakana Sonobe
Despite her loss to Jabeur, Wakana Sonobe is having a breakthrough season. Just last month, she made history by becoming the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open girls’ singles title. Sonobe earned her WTA main draw debut through the qualifiers and quickly made an impact with an impressive victory over world No. 55 Yuan Yue.
Sonobe’s Playing Style
Sonobe kept pace with Jabeur during the first half of the opening set, but the Tunisian’s masterful shot-making eventually broke her resistance. Jabeur won the last three service games of the set, sealing it with a deft drop shot that showcased her finesse and composure. In the second set, Sonobe briefly turned the tide by breaking Jabeur’s serve at a crucial moment, demonstrating her resilience.
Her powerful forehand was a standout weapon throughout the match, hinting at a bright future for the young Japanese player. However, Jabeur quickly regained control, breaking Sonobe’s serve twice to close out the match.
A Dominant Finish
Jabeur wrapped up the match with an unreturnable serve, securing a convincing victory. She won more than half of Sonobe’s service points and converted five of her seven break points, underscoring her aggressive and precise playing style. Jabeur’s triumph in Abu Dhabi not only moves her into the quarterfinals but also signals her strong return from injury. Her upcoming clash with Elena Rybakina promises to be an electrifying contest for tennis fans.
Meanwhile, Wakana Sonobe remains a rising star to watch, with the potential to make waves on the WTA Tour in the near future. Fans eagerly await the next chapter of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open as emerging talents like Sonobe and established stars like Jabeur continue to showcase their brilliance on the court.
