US Open: Ons Jabeur praised for ‘act of kindness’ after final defeat

Ons Jabeur may have lost the US Open final, but that didn’t stop her from showing impressive sportsmanship after the match. 

The Tunisian was defeated in straight sets by world number one Iga Swiatek, meaning her wait for a first Grand Slam title continues. 

Jabeur, who also lost in the Wimbledon final in July, could not contend with Swiatek’s unstoppable power and relentless returning ability. 

Yet, despite her second successive defeat in a major final, Jabeur spoke graciously and eloquently after the match and even helped Swiatek prepare for her winners’ speech. 

During the presentation ceremony, Jabuer attended to Swiatek’s jacket and ensured her collar was correctly sorted before accepting the trophy. 

It was a true act of kindness from the Arab tennis star, who admitted that the Pole deserved to win but promised to come back stronger. 

“Iga didn’t make it easy for me, she deserved to win,” said Jabeur, who was the first Arab woman to reach the US Open final in Open era history.

“Winning or losing is part of tennis. I struggled to win my first WTA title. It took me time. So I believe this [winning a major] will take me time.

“The most important thing is accepting it, learning from the finals that I lost.

“Definitely I’m not someone that going to give up. I am sure I’m going to be in the final again. I will try my best to win it.”

Fans were quick to praise Jabuer on her act of sportsmanship. 

“What a lovely, random act of kindness from someone who just had a tough loss,” said one fan. 

Meanwhile, another wrote: “Ons exemplifies the heart and spirit of tennis. Great that she and Iga have respect and friendship between them.” 

A third added: “Ons is just brilliant in every sense of the word. Whether it is her style of