‘Such an amazing player’… Ons Jabeur says 21-year-old youngster is absolutely brilliant

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Emma Raducanu saw her run in the Abu Dhabi Open cut short yesterday, as she was dumped out by home favourite Ons Jabeur.

Despite a rocky start, in which she was instantly broken, the Great British star fought back late in the first set despite losing it 6-4.

However, she flagged in the second, and would eventually fall to defeat 4-6, 1-6.

Regardless, it marked another step closer to full fitness as she continues her comeback, whilst also garnering praise from the Tunisian star.

But what did Jabeur have to say about Raducanu after their match? We take a closer look…

What Ons Jabeur said about Emma Raducanu

This marked just the second meeting between the two players on the court, despite Raducanu recently revealing the friendship the two share off it.

She has been complimentary regarding the 29-year-old and the effort she has put in to aid the youngster.

And now, speaking immediately after yesterday’s clash, Jabeur would claim: ‘Well she didn’t make it easy for me. Obviously, Emma is such an amazing player, I really wish her all the best and I know she can play much better so I’m a big fan of her.

‘I’m looking forward to seeing her win more matches. Not against me but against other players.’

Ons Jabeur is finding her feet after tough start to 2024

Although it was a clash the world number six was expected to win, there was an element of doubt in the run-up that the 21-year-old might spring a surprise.

After all, their respective starts to the 2024 season had not been too dissimilar, with Jabeur having been dumped out of the Australian Open in dramatic fashion at the hands of teenager Mirra Andreeva.

Meanwhile, Raducanu put in a spirited display against Shelby Rodgers only to fail at that same second-round stage.

So, to see the 2023 Wimbledon finalist brush her aside will have been a big boost for her team, and they will hope that it can provide the spark that kickstarts her campaign.

This season will be all about finally claiming that elusive Grand Slam, having come so close on numerous occasions only to fail at the final hurdle.

By enjoying a deep run in this competition, in front of a crowd that will certainly have her back, the confidence bred might help put together a run to end that hoodoo at Roland-Garros.