CELEBRITY
In the end, while Jabeur created more highlights, it was Gauff who was the winner.
Jabeur was less pleased with the 11:00 start time for this match.
“I would have loved a quarterfinal at night, not at 11:00 A.M.,” she said. “For me, doesn’t make sense. You achieve a quarterfinal…it’s like, no, you play at 11:00.”
This entertaining contest, which was played at a brisk clip between points, and as aggressively as possible during them, deserved better. But the early hour didn’t keep the fans, Jabeur’s or Gauff’s, from getting vocal. There was a team-sport atmosphere in Chatrier, as the two groups went back and forth in support of their players.
“I could tell you wanted her to win,” Gauff said with a smile to the audience. “I like playing in environments like this. I really had a lot of fun. This is just really fun, win or lose.”
In the end, while Jabeur created more highlights, it was Gauff who was the winner. Her shots may not have looked like they should count for two points, but she knew they didn’t need to.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who was forced to withdraw from Roland Garros ahead of the quarterfinals, is reportedly hoping to return in time for the Olympic Summer Games in Paris