Wimbledon 2023: China’s last singles player is out as Bai Zhuoxuan loses to Ons Jabeur – who thanks David Beckham
- All over for qualifier Bai as Jabeur – ranked 185 places above her – proves too good, but the Tunisian praises Bai’s ‘great tournament’
- Jabeur received a lift before the match, courtesy of a chat and hug with former footballer Beckham, who she calls ‘an amazing person’
The Wimbledon adventure of Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan came to an end when she was knocked out by a dominant Ons Jabeur – who said that she had been inspired by meeting David Beckham beforehand.
Bai, the world No 191, could not bridge the gulf in class between herself and Tunisia’s No 6-ranked Jabeur, last year’s losing finalist, who swept her aside 6-1, 6-1 in 45 minutes late on Friday.
China’s last player standing in the singles competitions after Zhang Zhizhen’s exit from the men’s draw the day before, Bai had set up the second-round encounter by beating Belgium’s Ysaline Bonaventure to record her first win in the main draw of a grand-slam event.
And Jabeur had some words of praise for 20-year-old Bai after sending her scrambling at times with her array of shots.
“It was a good game – she played the qualifying here and she qualified,” Jabeur said. “I believe she had a great tournament, so I wish her all the best. But I tried to play like a top 10 player.”
Bai slipped and fell in the opening set while chasing a drop-shot near the net, but was quickly back on her feet to scattered applause.
However, Jabeur showed no mercy and sealed victory on her first match point with a deft lob at the net to set up a third-round match with former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu of Canada.
Afterwards, though, Jabeur was quick to enthuse about her meeting with former England midfielder Beckham, who has been watching the action at the All England Club.
She admitted the hug she received from the ex-footballer may have meant even more than the win over Bai. Jabeur, 28, is a noted football fan, playing recreationally and supporting Beckham’s former club Real Madrid.
“Such an amazing person,” she said. “I was really looking forward to meeting him.
“Don’t tell my husband that, but yes, I did enjoy that hug, and the very nice conversation with him.”
Jabeur added that the pair had discussed football and tennis, with Beckham expressing his interest in watching some tennis matches in the United States, where he is co-owner of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami – who recently announced that Lionel Messi would be joining them this month.
“I love to meet those athletes, because I believe I can learn a lot from him,” she said. “Hopefully I can meet many more.”
