Tunisia’s Jabeur misplaced 6-0 6-2 to Russia’s 16-year-old Andreeva within the second spherical of the Australian Open.
Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur suffered a shocking 6-0 6-2 loss to Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva within the second spherical of the Australian Open because the sixth seed’s bid to change into the primary Arab and African lady to win a Grand Slam title lay in tatters.
Andreeva was in tears 12 months in the past after dropping the ladies’ ultimate however minimize a a lot happier determine on her return to Rod Laver Area as she secured her first top-10 win.
“Today when I saw that I play on Rod Laver, I said that this time I have to take my chance and I have to win on the big court for the first time and so I did,” Andreeva advised reporters.
{The teenager} stated her 54-minute victory was in all probability one among her greatest performances even when she struggled with nerves at occasions.
“But I saw that she was nervous too,” Andreeva added. “It form of helped me, as a result of I do know I’m not the one one who’s nervous earlier than the match.
“I just decided to enjoy, because it’s Rod Laver Arena and I’m playing against the person that I like. I decided just to play and I think I played okay.”
Jabeur started the match with a giant ace down the center however shortly discovered herself on the again foot, as her younger opponent capitalised on some uncharacteristic errors to cruise by means of the opening set in 20 minutes conceding solely eight factors.
In her fourth Grand Slam primary draw look since making her debut finally 12 months’s French Open, Andreeva confirmed maturity past her years as Jabeur desperately sought solutions from her teaching crew after the early jolt.
Jabeur – dubbed by followers as Tunisia’s “Minister of Happiness” – swapped her trademark smile for a extra decided look and the 29-year-old held early within the subsequent set however there was no stopping Andreeva, who raised her stage once more and pulled away.
Andreeva reached the Wimbledon fourth spherical final 12 months and might match her greatest Grand Slam end result with a win over Diane Parry subsequent, however the world quantity 47 shouldn’t be getting carried away along with her success up to now.
“I don’t think that I’ve achieved something incredible,” she stated. “Typically after I’m mendacity in mattress, I can overthink a little bit bit however the subsequent morning I’m completely effective.
“I mean, I’m 16. Why do I have to think about the rankings?”
In the meantime, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki was overwhelmed 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 by 20-year-old Russian participant Maria Tomafeeva, who’s making her primary draw Grand Slam singles debut this 12 months.
Wozniacki, who had two kids earlier than returning to the WTA Tour final 12 months after 3.5 years away, led by a set and 2-0 earlier than Tomafeeva turned the match round with some devastating hitting, together with 40 winners.
“I’m really a bit speechless now,” Tomafeeva stated. “It was an honour to play here against Caroline today. I was going into the match without any expectations. I enjoyed every second of it.”
Wozniacki stated the match “slid out of my hands… it’s definitely disappointing”.
Jabeur and Wozniacki performed their matches beneath the roof, at Rod Laver Area and John Cain Area respectively, with rain delaying matches on the skin courts for 3 hours.