Thu Feb 06 10:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Jabeur Triumphs in Abu Dhabi Comeback, Sets Up Clash with Rising Star Sonobe
**Abu Dhabi, UAE** – Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur continued her impressive comeback from injury, defeating Jelena Ostapenko in a hard-fought 7-6(4), 7-5 victory at the Abu Dhabi Open. The match, which lasted one hour and 46 minutes, saw Jabeur overcome a shaky start and Ostapenko’s aggressive baseline game. Ostapenko’s high error count, including 23 unforced errors and four double faults, ultimately proved her undoing.
Jabeur, whose 2024 season was cut short by a shoulder injury, has now compiled a 7-3 record in 2025. Her victory sets up a compelling third-round match against Japanese sensation Wakana Sonobe, the first Japanese woman to win the Australian Open junior girls’ singles title. Sonobe, who has smoothly transitioned to the women’s circuit, presents a significant challenge for Jabeur, although the Tunisian’s Grand Slam experience gives her a considerable edge.
Ostapenko, while showcasing moments of brilliance, was ultimately hampered by inconsistency. Jabeur’s performance demonstrates a continued climb back to the top of the WTA rankings, fueling speculation about a potential Grand Slam victory in 2025.
First Piper 