Agency :
Ons Jabeur claimed the biggest title of her career, becoming the first Arab or African player to win a WTA 1000 title thanks to a 7-5, 0-6, 6-2 success over American Jessica Pegula Saturday in Madrid.
The Tunisian trailblazer picked up her second WTA trophy and is set to return to her career-high ranking of No 7 in the world on Monday.
Jabeur, who is the first Arab player – man or woman – to crack the top 10, owns a tour-leading 12 victories on clay so far this season and picked up a 20 win overall in 2022.
Pegula had to save four break points in her opening two service games before she upped the pressure on the Jabeur serve to break for 3-1.
The Tunisian struck back in game seven, finding her range on the return and was soon on level terms with Pegula.
Jabeur faced a set point in an error-strewn 10th game but weathered the storm to hold then broke Pegula to love using a signature drop shot return.