Jaber Al-Tunisi becomes the first Arab player to top the top ten list
Indian Wells, October 15 (BNA): Anas Jaber will become the first Arab player to top the top 10 in the world rankings after reaching the semi-finals of Indian Wells, and the Tunisian said she is just getting started.
Jaber, currently ranked 14th, reached the final of the Chicago Valence Classic earlier this month and became the first Arab player to win the WTA title at the Birmingham Classic in June, Reuters reports.
The 27-year-old defeated Estonian Anett Kontaveit 7-5 6-3 in the quarterfinals Thursday in the California desert, turning five of 12 sprinting chances en route to her 48th game victory of the season, the most. From any player on the tour this season.
“Such a dream comes true,” Jaber said. “This is something I wanted…when I was 16.”
“The top ten is the start. I know I deserved this place for a long time since I’ve been playing well. But I want to prove that I deserve to be here.”
Jaber, who will face Spain’s Paula Padusa in her first WTA semi-final on Friday, said she has faced many obstacles in her career due to her background.
“I’ve been rejected by sponsors because of where I come from, which is unfair,” she said. “I didn’t understand why before, I accepted it. I’m really proud of the person I’ve become today, just not being dependent on others.
“Maybe everyone has been going through a tough job. I’m not saying I’m having the toughest one.
“I did not want to rely on a sponsor or someone who is not even interested in tennis or sports in general. It gave me the courage to continue and achieve my goals, and today I am in the top ten.”