Ons Jabeur through to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinal against Elena Rybakina

Ons Jabeur through to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinal against Elena Rybakina
Ons Jabeur has reached the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open quarterfinals after defeating 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe 6-3, 6-3. The Tunisian, a former world No. 2, now faces reigning champion Elena Rybakina in a rematch of their 2022 Wimbledon final. Jabeur had earlier impressed against Jelena Ostapenko, while Sonobe entered the match on a high after her Australian Open girls’ title and two qualifying wins. Despite breaking Jabeur early in the second set, the Japanese youngster’s inexperience showed as Jabeur controlled play to close out the win.
Rybakina, meanwhile, recovered from a slow start to beat American Katie Volynets 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, keeping her title defense alive. Belinda Bencic, the 2023 champion, was equally impressive, sweeping past Veronika Kudermetova 6-0, 6-0 in just over an hour to set up a clash with Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova, who defeated Yulia Putintseva.
Elsewhere, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez eased past Lulu Sun 6-0, 6-3 and will meet Ashlyn Krueger, who staged a remarkable fightback to upset Daria Kasatkina 1-6, 7-5, 6-4. Czech youngster Linda Noskova toppled Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-1 and will face Magda Linette, who advanced via walkover. With all four quarterfinals scheduled for Thursday on Stadium Court, Jabeur vs. Rybakina stands out, though Bencic vs. Vondrousova and Fernandez vs. Krueger promise equally compelling contests.