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Ons Jabeur: I was very happy for Aryna Sabalenka, people are harsh with comments

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Ons Jabeur reveals she was “very happy” for Aryna Sabalenka when the Belarusian won the Australian Open.

After losing in three Grand Slam semifinals, Sabalenka made her big Grand Slam breakthrough at Melbourne Park this year.

Reflecting on Sabalenka’s success, Jabeur thinks it is deserved and suggested that the Belarusian has been through a lot over the last year since some feel animosity toward the 24-year-old due to the situation in Ukraine.

“I was very happy for Aryna when she won the Australian Open. I know how she struggled. We know what’s happening in the locker room. People are harsh with comments. Huge respect for Aryna, for Paula. Everyone has their story. I wish people wouldn’t judge quickly,” Jabeur said on Tennis Channel, via The Tennis Letter.

Jabeur making strides in Charleston

After undergoing minor knee surgery, Jabeur returned to action during the Sunshine Double – but it didn’t go really well since the Tunisian suffered a third-round exit in Indian Wells and a second-round exit in Miami.

But this week in Charleston, Jabeur has been playing much better.

On Thursday, Jabeur defeated Caroline Dolehide 6-3 7-5 in the Charleston round-of-16.

After the match, Jabeur acknowledged that Dolehide was a very tricky opponent.

“A few points could’ve really changed up the game. I know with someone like Caroline, you don’t necessarily want to lose your serve because it’s much tougher to break her than any other girls. But I was frustrated. I tried to talk to myself, and just get back to the game, find my rhythm in the return. It could have been worse, but thankfully, I came back and was more focused,” Jabeur said after beating Dolehide.

It was the second meeting between Jabeur and Dolehide.

Previously, the two met at an ITF event in 2016.

Back then, Jabeur also claimed a straight-set win.