Tunisian trailblazer Ons Jabeur knocked out former champion Garbine Muguruza 5-7, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the Wimbledon fourth round on Friday.
The artful 26-year-old showed great resilience to fend off Muguruza’s heavy hitting early on and eventually took control to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon for the first time.
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Jabeur, who last month became the first Arab woman to win a WTA title when she triumphed on grass in Birmingham, will face 2020 French Open winner Iga Swiatek on Monday.
“This is the best day of my career,” said Jabeur, the first player from her country to reach the second week of Wimbledon.
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Jabeur dipped into her box of tricks to outflank the powerful 11th seed who was slowly driven to distraction by an opponent, who gave a masterclass in angles and spins.
“I was a bit nervous today. She plays unbelievable on grass, it was difficult in the first set but after that I stayed more calm. When I play loose and good everything gets better.”
Korda wins on Centre Court debut
Sebastian Korda silencing the majority of the British support on his Centre Court debut, to record a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over home hope Daniel Evans, the 21st seed, in two hours and 24 minutes.
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“I just stayed calm in the biggest moments as much as I could,” said Korda.
“I tried to stay relaxed and keep playing attacking tennis, that’s what I do. I’m really proud of myself for that today.”
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“[It’s] a big achievement. A year ago, I was 220 in the world and I’m here in the fourth round at Wimbledon. It’s incredible. I have my family to thank, my coaches and everybody around me.”
Twenty-six years ago, his father, Petr Korda, had made his Centre Court debut by defeating fifth-seeded American Michael Chang 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the 1995 second round.
