By Erik Gudris | @ATNTennis | Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Ons Jabeur, after a tough opening round match on Day 2 of the US Open, was treated to a beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday,” sung to her by the New York crowd in Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Last year’s women’s singles finalist and current No. 5 seed Jabeur battled through health issues and a tough opponent in Camila Osorio before securing a 7-5, 7-6(4) victory.
During her post-match interview, Jabeur was serenaded in honor of her 29th birthday from a few days ago.
It was tough day for the three-time Grand Slam champion, but her sense of humor remained intact.
“I’m old now, that’s why I didn’t feel so good on the court,” Jabeur joked after the match. “She was playing unbelievable. At some points I didn’t have the best attitude on court. It’s not easy. She was getting me to run more and more. I’m glad that I got the win, especially that I proved that I can push myself to keep doing better on the court.”
The second set of Jabeur's 14th career US Open triumph had several momentum changes.
At 3-all, Jabeur whirled a stunning lob to secure a 4-3 lead. Later, up 5-3, Jabeur would hold two match points but failed to convert on either as an inspired Osorio battled on.
Eventually, after two breaks at love from both players, a tiebreak was needed to decide the set. Jabeur, fueled by the crowd support at Louis Armstrong Stadium, finally found a way to close out the match in straight sets.
Jabeur, now with a day off, will hope to recover before her second round against talented Czech teen Linda Noskova.
Photo credit: Andrew Ong/USTA/US Open