Ons Jabeur’s ‘classy’ sportsmanship praised after helping injured Belinda Bencic

Ons Jabeur claimed her third WTA title in Berlin on Sunday, but a moment of ‘classy’ sportsmanship won the Tunisian the most plaudits. 

Facing Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, Jabeur was leading 6-3 2-1, before Bencic could no longer continue. 

The Swiss star was in visible discomfort, having injured her ankle. Yet, instead of waiting for Bencic to be treated, Jabeur rushed over with an ice cooler for the Swiss player to rest her ankle. 

Unfortunately, Bencic’s injury was too severe to continue and Jabeur claimed her second title on grass. 

Speaking afterwards, however, the Tunisian was chiefly concerned with the well-being of her opponent. 

“I told her, ‘forget about it, forget about today.’ The most important thing for me is that she’s ok,” she said. 

Equally, Bencic was keen not to take the limelight away from Jabeur, stating: “You [Jabeur] deserve this title and I really don’t want to take this moment away from you.”

Sportsmanship at its finest