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Marketa Vondrousova downed Ons Jabeur in the final of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships on Saturday, securing her maiden Grand Slam title.
The Czech started as the underdog in the clash and began the tie by going down a break. After exchanging breaks with the Tunisian, she trailed 4-2 in the opening set before winning four games in a row to take the set.
The second set once again saw Jabeur take an early break of serve, only for Vondrousova to fight her way back to level things at 3-3. At 4-4, though, she pounced on the former World No. 2's serve, breaking decisively to wrap up the contest 6-4, 6-4.
With the win, the 24-year-old became the lowest-ranked player to win the title at SW19 since the WTA rankings were introduced. She also became the first unseeded female player to win Wimbledon. Jabeur, for her part, was thoroughly heartbroken by her second straight grasscourt final loss, shedding tears and breaking down in the presentation ceremony.
Tennis fans were gutted for the Tunisian afterwards while also impressed with Vondrousova's unexpected run to the title. At the same time, many were also concerned about the lack of mental strength Jabeur showcased in the biggest match of her career, especially as it was her third straight Grand Slam final loss.
Interestingly, one fan said that the match was a sign that the WTA Tour badly needs Iga Swiatek, noting that the Pole's resilience is what was missing in Jabeur's display on the night.
"I’m sorry I’m taking back everything I’ve said about Swiatek; this tour needs her desperately. It’s unbelievable the amount of mental jelly there is in the top of the game right now and the girls that are up and coming need to learn from her resilience because this is not it."
Another fan had words of praise for Vondrousova, calling her one of the "most entertaining" players to watch.
"I've many times said that Vondrousova is one of the most entertaining players for me to watch. And it just feels so nice seeing that rewarded at this level. Surreal two weeks, given her past record on the surface.
One fan, meanwhile, has hopes for Ons Jabeur despite the loss, bringing up Andy Murray's early Grand Slam final losses to show that she, too, has a chance to turn her career around in the coming years.
"11 years ago at Wimbledon, Andy Murray lost his fourth Grand Slam final in as many tries, and it looked like he was destined never to fulfil his potential. ... and then he put on a Hall of Fame career. There's no certainly in sport, but Ons Jabeur can still write her own story."
Here are a few more reactions from fans:
Marketa Vondrousova to rise to World No. 10 following Wimbledon triumph
Thanks to Ons Jabeur beating Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, Iga Swiatek maintained her hold on the World No. 1 spot. Had the Belarusian reached the final, she would have taken over from Swiatek.
Meanwhile, Marketa Vondrousova, who is ranked World No. 42, will break into the top 10 following her title run at SW19. Ons Jabeur, meanwhile, stays No. 6 in the rankings despite her run to the final.
