Mutua Madrid Open—Madrid, Spain
Tunisian Ons Jabeur captured the biggest title of her career on Saturday in Madrid, Spain, defeating American star Jessica Pegula 7-5, 0-6, 6-2.
In a match that featured two of the game’s best baseline players, it was Jabeur who edged out a one-set lead before rebounding to win the encounter in three sets. Needing one hour and 54 minutes to claim her victory, Jabeur hit five aces and broke serve on five occasions.
Currently ranked No. 8 in the world, Jabeur will be ranked No. 7 on Monday.
Pegula, who also had a banner week on Tour, will move up to No. 11 on Monday. The American defeated former US Open winner Bianca Andresscu earlier in the tournament.
Prior to the women’s final, the fans in the Magic Box were treated to a great men’s semifinal contest. Spanish upstart Carlos Alcaraz followed up his impressive victory over Rafael Nadal on Friday by dispatching current world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in three, thrilling sets.
Winning by a scoreline of 6-7(5), 7-5 7-6(5), Alcaraz will be aiming to win his forth title of the year on Sunday.
Needing three hour and 36 minutes to prevail, Alcaraz struck four aces, won 74 percent of his first serve points and broke serve on two occasions.
The recently turned 19-year-old will face defending champion and No. 2 seed Alexander Zverev on Sunday. The towering German dismissed recent Monte Carlo winner Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 . Betway continues to have great odds on Sunday’s championship encounter, with Alcaraz the favourite.
Alcaraz – 1.50
Zverev – 2.62
Win or lose on Sunday, Alcaraz will be ranked No. 6 in the world when the latest rankings are released.
Djokovic, who has yet to win a title in 2022, will next see action at the Italian Open in Rome.
