Rising star Ons Jabeur won her 46th match of 2021 with a straight sets 6-1, 6-3 win over Danielle Collins at windy Indian Wells on Monday.
It took Jabeur 73 minutes to see off the American, gaining revenge for a round of 16 loss in Paris on June.
Jabeur converted five of her 12 break points and was dominant on return service, winning 73 per cent of available points.
“Holding my serve, I think it helped me get through the first set,” Jabeur said.
“The second set was a little bit tight. She started playing better. But I’m glad that I broke the last minute and was able to finish with my serve.
“With the fatigue mentally and physically at the end of the season, I’m trying to really play my best tennis.
“I never played this long. It’s a new experience for me. But I’m happy that it’s motivation for end of the year. I’m not very far. I honestly want to win as much as I can to qualify [for the WTA Finals].”
Next up is Russian qualifier Anna Kalinskaya.
Andy Murray will make a return to the Stuttgart grass next month, two years after…
Stefanos Tsitaipas spent an hour in matching Alex de Minaur move for move to deliver…
Iga Swiatek stretched her clay court winning run to 10 consecutive matches as she schooled…
No-drama Taylor Fritz saved all 11 break points he faced and threw down 13 aces in…
Iga Swiatek came through a struggle with a fellow No. 1 as the top seed…
Stefanos Tsitsipas blasted through a tiebreaker to complete a satisfying 6-2, 7-6 win over Briton Cam…