Tunisian beats Venus Williams to progress at Wimbledon

Tunisian 21st seed Ons Jabeur yesterday beat American Venus Williams in Wimbledon yesterday.

A day after sister Serena endured a heart-breaking Wimbledon exit after suffering an injury in the first round, 41-year-old Venus succumbed to a 7-5 6-0 defeat.

“Honestly I was so nervous,” smiled Jabeur to the applause of the crowd. “It’s the first time I’ve played a legend and not everyone was with me but it was a great game… I feel a natural energy here. It’s amazing to be here. I love being in England and I hope I can continue my journey.”

Jabeur now faces the 2017 Wimbledon victor Garbine Muguruza in the last 32.

Earlier in June 26-year-old Jabeur won her first singles title to become the first Arab to win a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title as she beat Russia’s Daria Kasatkina in straight sets in the final of the Birmingham Classic.

“I just want to take it [Wimbledon] step by step, match by match. I’m always hoping to go to the second week, it’s always my goal there,” she told BBC Sport Africa ahead of the tournament.

“I know I play good on grass, so there is a little bit of pressure on me but it’s OK. Let’s say my goal is to go to the semi-final, one step more than I have managed at a grand slam.”

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