French Open: Ons Jabeur knocked out after shock defeat to Beatriz Haddad Maia in quarter-final

Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, on Wednesday, June 7, advanced to the semi-final of the French Open 2023 after beating World No.7 Ons Jabeur.

The Brazilian took two hours and 29 minutes to win the match 3-6, 7-6, 6-1 on the Court Philippe Chatrier.

Haddad Maia became the first Brazilian woman to qualify for the Roland Garros semis since Maria Bueno in 1966. Before the clay-court tournament, Haddad Maia failed to go past the second round at any Grand Slam. She will now face the winner of the quarterfinal match between World No.1 Iga Swiatek and teen sensation Coco Gauff in the semis.

The first set between Haddad Maia and Jabeur was all about breaking each other’s serve. Haddad Maia earned two breaks of serve, but Jabeur hit back with three breaks. Both players struggled with their first and second serves, but the 28-year-old Jabeur hit 15 winners to come up trumps in the opening set. Both players also dished out 14 unforced errors apiece.

In the second set, both players held their serve and made it through to the tie-breaker. Thereafter, Haddad Maia took a 5-2 lead and had three chances to win the set. Jabeur saved two set points, but a forehand winner from Haddad Maia pulled the curtains down on the set.

Jabeur hit 29 winners compared to Haddad Maia’s 19, but 28 unforced errors ended up costing her. Haddad Maia started in a dominating way in the third set, earning two breaks to take a 3-0 lead. But Jabeur earned a break back to make it 3-1.

However, Haddad Maia dented Jabeur’s hopes by winning his third service break in the set. Thereafter, she held her serve and earned her sixth break of the match to come up trumps.