In the round prior, the Tunisian took her revenge against defending champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals. Last year, she lost to the Kazakh player in the finals. In the semis, she beat World Number 2, Sabalenka 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3, to make it to her second Wimbledon final in as many years.
She is the first woman to reach back-to-back finals at Wimbledon since Serena Williams did it in 2018-2019. Williams lost both of those finals. Jabeur is seeking to avoid the same fate.
“Yeah, last year was my first final of a Grand Slam,” Jabeur said. “Definitely getting closer to winning the Grand Slam that I always wished.”
“I would say I always believed. But sometimes you would question and doubt it if it’s going to happen, if it’s ever going to happen. Being in the last stages, I think it does help you believe more.”
Jabeur next faces Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. The Czech is the first unseeded player to make it to the finals in the open era.
Sabalenka led by a set and if she had made it past Jabeur, it would have been her second Major final and would have brought her closer to becoming World Number 1.
But Jabeur rallied, although later, she would admit that it was a tough draw.
“I think this year the draw is much tougher,” Jabeur said. “Playing against amazing players that not only they play good on any surface, but they play amazing on grass. That was very challenging.”
“Also maybe it’s a good thing that gives me more confidence to be ready for the final. Also getting that rhythm of playing great tennis to be ready for the next match.”