Ons Jabeur Advances with Dominance at Qatar TotalEnergies Open

DOHA, Qatar – Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur displayed remarkable skill and determination during her campaign at the 2025 Qatar TotalEnergies Open, achieving straight-set victories in her first two matches. Jabeur’s performance comes as a welcome resurgence amid recent challenges, and she aims to reclaim her former glory in the world of tennis.

On February 10, Jabeur, the highest-ranked Arab player in history, faced American McCartney Kessler at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. In a dominating performance, Jabeur defeated Kessler 6-2, 6-0 in just 56 minutes. After the match, Jabeur expressed satisfaction with her play, stating, “I thought I played really good. The level was very high. I definitely played my game, and listened to my coach, probably for the first time,” as reported by wtatennis.com. Jabeur won an impressive 89 percent of her second-service points against Kessler, showcasing her mastery on the court.

In her subsequent match, Jabeur continued her winning streak against No. 7 seed Zheng Qinwen, securing a 6-4, 6-2 victory. She broke Zheng’s serve six times, highlighting her aggressive and strategic gameplay. Jabeur emphasized the importance of this tournament for her, saying, “I want to really represent the Arab world very well and this is the most [important] swing for me. I know doing well here will help inspire the next generation.” Her words reflect not only her competitive spirit but also her commitment to empowering future Arab tennis players.

Jabeur’s journey to this point has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Once ranked No. 2 in the world and coming off consecutive Top 10 finishes, she faced setbacks last year due to injuries, plummeting to No. 42. However, she returned to the courts this year with renewed focus. “Definitely gives me a lot of confidence and, honestly, looking forward to showing a better level in Doha,” she remarked.

The Qatar TotalEnergies Open atmosphere seems to invigorate Jabeur. The crowd’s enthusiastic support and cherished memories of past events resonate with her. “I would trade a win in any tournament to win this one because it is really special for me to give back after what they have done for me,” she stated. This connection to the event is something Jabeur values immensely. Her performance has quickly established her as a tournament favorite among fans, with her elegant playing style complementing her strategic capabilities.

Attention now shifts to Jabeur as she prepares to face tougher competition in her quest for the title. If she maintains her current form, she could be a strong contender for her elusive Grand Slam title. With her determination, focus, and skill, tennis fans are eager to see if Jabeur can transform this year’s Qatar TotalEnergies Open into a triumphant celebration.

HONG KONG – Zheng Qinwen’s campaign at the Qatar Open ended on February 12, following her defeat to Jabeur in the round of 32. The Chinese world No. 8 lost to Jabeur 6-4, 6-2, marking an early exit from the tournament. This loss further extends Zheng’s disappointing run after her second-round exit at the Australian Open, where she was defeated by Germany’s Laura Siegemund.

Jabeur’s next challenge will be against 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. Her victory over Zheng marks her first win over a top-10 opponent since last year’s Madrid Open, a significant milestone following her injury struggles.