Ons Jabeur claimed her third WTA title in Berlin on Sunday, but a moment of ‘classy’ sportsmanship won the Tunisian the most plaudits. Facing Olympic champion Belinda Bencic, Jabeur was leading 6-3 2-1, before Bencic could no longer continue. The Swiss star was in visible discomfort, having injured her ankle. Yet, instead of waiting for Bencic to be treated, Jabeur rushed over with an ice cooler for the Swiss player to rest her ankle. Unfortunately, Bencic’s injury was too severe to continue and Jabeur claimed her second title on grass. Speaking afterwards, however, the Tunisian was chiefly concerned with the well-being of her opponent. "I told her, 'forget about it, forget about today.' The most important thing for me is that she's ok," she said. Equally, Bencic was keen not to take the limelight away from Jabeur, stating: "You [Jabeur] deserve this title and I really don't want to take this moment away from you.”

Fans praise Jabeur

Understandably, the clip of Jabeur helping Bencic was widely circulated on social media, prompting many fans to applaud the 27-year-old. 

One Twitter user wrote: “Wow that’s a true champion! Actions, not words, that’s really going out of [your] way to help an injured opponent. Character [is] something you can’t coach. @Ons_Jabeur all the best for Eastbourne and Wimbledon!” 

Another echoed this sentiment and said: “Ons [Jabeur] is such a talented and classy player.” 

A third stressed: “This was so heartbreaking. Such great friendship between the two, Ons is such an amazing human being. We need more people like her.”

Jabeur

Jabeur goes marching on 

Jabeur has now won three titles in the last year and became the first Arab woman to win a WTA event at the Birmingham Classic in 2021. 

This season, the Tunisian has powered her way up the rankings and now sits third –– behind only Iga Swiatek and Anett Kontaveit. 

Jabeur wins in Berlin

The 27-year-old will fancy her chances at Wimbledon this year, but first, her attention turns to Eastbourne and playing doubles with Serena Williams. 

Jabeur will partner the 40-year-old tennis icon for the first time and all eyes will be on the pair as Williams plays her first competitive match in over a year.