The quarter-finals of Wimbledon 2023 witnessed a remarkable upset as defending champion Elena Rybakina was defeated by Ons Jabeur, seeking revenge for her loss in last year’s final.
Jabeur, the sixth seed, displayed tremendous resilience, coming back from a set down to secure a hard-fought victory of 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-1, reversing the outcome from their match a year ago.
In the upcoming semi-finals, Jabeur will face Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, who convincingly triumphed over Madison Keys with a score of 6-2, 6-4. Sabalenka aims to claim her first Wimbledon title and attain the top spot in the world rankings, currently held by Iga Swiatek.
Rybakina’s exit ensures the emergence of a first-time Wimbledon champion this year.
Jabeur exhibited a more aggressive approach compared to her performance last year, showcasing her ability to hit winners effectively. With 35 winners to Rybakina’s 21, Jabeur expressed her strategy, stating, “I said I am going for my shots because if you try to go easy with her it is not going to work. It is not easy playing her, but I wish we could exchange this match for the finals last year.”
Rybakina, who had only lost her serve once throughout the tournament, faced constant pressure from Jabeur. The Kazakh player experienced two breaks in the first set, which she eventually lost in a tie-break. In the second set, Jabeur secured a crucial break, setting the stage for her triumph.
Although Rybakina threatened to overturn Jabeur’s 3-1 lead in the decider, the Tunisian successfully fended off the challenge, ultimately securing the victory and earning a spot in the semi-finals against Sabalenka.
Reflecting on the upcoming match against Sabalenka, Jabeur acknowledged the difficulty, saying, “She is an amazing player. She hits very fast like Elena, so it will be very challenging. It will be a difficult match, but I will keep this spirit on the court, and hopefully the crowd will be with me.”
For Rybakina, who reached the final of the Australian Open earlier this year, her title defense at SW19 came shortly after recovering from illness that led to her withdrawal from the French Open. Despite her disappointment, Rybakina highlighted the positive aspects of her Wimbledon journey, stating, “I think no matter the result today, it was a positive few weeks for me here.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wimbledon quarter-finals
Who won the Wimbledon 2023 quarter-finals match between Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur?
Ons Jabeur won the Wimbledon 2023 quarter-finals match against Elena Rybakina.
Did Elena Rybakina win the tournament last year?
Yes, Elena Rybakina won the Wimbledon tournament last year.
Who will Ons Jabeur face in the semi-finals?
Ons Jabeur will face Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals of Wimbledon 2023.
Is there a chance for a first-time Wimbledon champion this year?
Yes, with Elena Rybakina’s exit from the tournament, there is guaranteed to be a first-time Wimbledon champion this year.
How did Jabeur’s performance differ from last year?
Jabeur displayed a more aggressive approach this year compared to her previous match against Rybakina. She hit 35 winners, whereas Rybakina managed 21.
How did Rybakina’s illness affect her performance?
Rybakina withdrew from her third-round French Open match due to illness and also struggled in the build-up to Wimbledon. Her powerful serve was not as effective, with only 57% of her first serves going in and a lower percentage of points won behind them.
What did Rybakina say about her overall performance in the tournament?
Rybakina expressed pride in her performance throughout the tournament, considering it a positive few weeks for her, despite the loss in the quarter-finals.
More about Wimbledon quarter-finals
- Wimbledon Official Website
- BBC Sports – Wimbledon 2023 Coverage
- Wimbledon 2023 Results and Schedule
- Elena Rybakina Player Profile
- Ons Jabeur Player Profile
- Aryna Sabalenka Player Profile
5 comments
jabeur’s aggressiv game paid off big time, she hit more winners and outplayed rybakina. can’t wait to see her match with sabalenka, gonna be epic!
rybakina had a tough time with her serve, it wasn’t on point today. but overall, she had a great run in the tournament. well done!
can’t believe rybakina lost, she was so strong last year. i’m excited to see jabeur vs. sabalenka in the semi-finals!
rybakina did her best but ons jabeur was just too good. hope she bounces back soon!
wow, jabeur was on fire! she avenged last year’s defeat and made it to the semi-finals. she’s got a real shot at the title. go jabeur!