Ons Jabeur has waited an eternity for a chance to play in front of a home crowd and she is making the most of the opportunity. 

The Tunisian is the number one seed at this week’s Jasmin Open in Monastir and has now made it through to the quarter-finals. 

After beating US star Ann Li in the opening round, Jabeur defeated Evgeniya Rodina in straight sets on Thursday –– much to the delight of the fans in attendance. 

It was a boisterous atmosphere from the get-go as the crowd got behind one of Africa’s finest-ever tennis players. 

Speaking after the tie, Jabeur gave a heartfelt speech and thanked her fans for all their support.

“It was a great match. I’m just really happy I got it done in two sets and the crowd really helped today and hopefully, I continue in this way all the way to the final,” she said.

“They [the crowd] make it great for me. The crowd is amazing. The music is great. Thank you DJ.” 

WATCH: Jabeur thanks fans at the Jasmin Open

Who is Jabeur? 

Jabeur is currently second in the world rankings – behind only Iga Swiatek. 

The Tunisian reached both the Wimbledon and US Open finals this year but lost on both occasions –– meaning her wait for a first-ever Grand Slam title goes on. 

Nonetheless, the 28-year-old remains the only Arab woman to reach a major final and win a WTA title. 

Jabeur has won three career titles in total, including this year’s Madrid Open and is the highest-ranked African player in history. 

In 2019, she was named the Arab Woman of the Year. 

WATCH: Jabeur beats Rodina to book quarter-final spot 

What is the Jasmin Open? 

The Jasmin Open is a new tennis event held in Monastir, Tunisia. 

It is part of the WTA Tour and is listed as a WTA 250 tournament. 

The event was introduced this year as a result of the cancellation of WTA competitions in China due to the Peng Shuai disappearance controversy. 

Another reason for holding the tournament in Tunisia was the success of Jabeur and the hope that it would encourage more Arab women to take up tennis. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Ons Jabeur of Tunisia celebrates against Iga Swiatek of Poland during their Women’s Singles Final match on Day Thirteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Who else is playing at the Jasmin Open? 

While Jabeur is the top seed, there are plenty of other talented players competing in Monastir. 

Rising Russian star Veronika Kudermetova is seeded second, while French veteran Alize Cornet is also taking part. 

Britain’s Harriet Dart made the second round of the event, before losing to Cornet in straight sets.