On Wednesday, Anastasia Potapova defeated top-seeded Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), to advance to the WTA San Diego Open quarterfinals.
The world number seven, who advanced to her third Grand Slam final at Wimbledon this year, was defeated by Potapova, ranked 27th in the world, who said that patience was the key.
Ons is particularly difficult to play, according to Potapova, who defeated Alycia Parks in three sets in the first round while Jabeur had a bye.
“She is undoubtedly among the finest in the world, but I don’t like her style at all. I’m overjoyed and quite delighted to have won.
Jabeur had just competed in the fourth round of the US Open after battling sickness in the preliminary stages.
Potapova beat a top-10 player for the sixth time in her career, setting up a quarterfinal match with 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who defeated fellow American Katie Volynets 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Potapova broke the Tunisian at love to win the first set after converting six of her eleven break opportunities.
In the tiebreaker, Potapova jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead before Jabeur dug deep to square the score at 4-4. Jabeur had served for the second set at 6-5 but was broken.
Potapova was awarded a double match point after Jabeur’s tenth double fault of the match, and Jabeur’s forehand miss ended the match.
Second-seeded Later on Wednesday, Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia was scheduled to make her campaign debut against Sloane Stephens in a difficult second-round matchup.
