Tunisia’s Jabeur Wins Ningbo Open

Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
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Tunisia’s Jabeur Wins Ningbo Open

Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
Tunisia's Jabeur hits a return against Russia's Diana Shnaider during the women's singles final match at the WTA Ningbo Open tennis tournament in Ningbo, in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 30, 2023. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT

Top-seeded Ons Jabeur won her fifth career title at the Ningbo Open with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over teenager Diana Shnaider on Saturday.
The seventh-ranked Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, saved her best performance of the tournament for the final and raced to victory in 78 minutes.
“I felt tactically I played very well, I had an advantage in that I had more experience than her to manage certain points,” The Associated Press quoted Jabeur as saying.

“Playing a final here is more relaxed than playing a Grand Slam final, but I think it will help me gain confidence more, and to help me manage the pressure and stress.”
The Tunisian had 18 winners to only 10 unforced errors, while saving all three break points she faced, denying the 19-year-old Shnaider any chance to get a foothold in the match.
This was 85th-ranked Shnaider's first career final in just her ninth WTA tournament main draw. One year ago, she was ranked No. 220 and beginning her freshman year at North Carolina State.



Arsenal Captain Odegaard Injured on Norway Duty Ahead of Tough Club Games 

Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)
Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)
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Arsenal Captain Odegaard Injured on Norway Duty Ahead of Tough Club Games 

Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)
Norway's Martin Odegaard makes a corner kick during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kazakhstan and Norway at Ortalyk Stadium in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP)

Norway captain Martin Odegaard injured an ankle on Monday ahead of a key series of games for his club Arsenal.

Odegaard covered his face with his hands while being treated on the field midway through the second half of a Nations League game against Austria.

He appeared to turn awkwardly on his left ankle in a tough challenge with Austria midfielder Christoph Baumgartner as both chased and stretched for a loose ball.

Odegaard limped out of the game two minutes later and was consoled by his teammate Erling Haaland.

“It looked bad in the dressing room, too,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken told broadcaster TV 2. “He didn’t have the chance to continue.”

Odegaard was due to return from national team duty into a tough week of away games for Arsenal.

The Gunners first go to London rival Tottenham on Sunday then open their Champions League program at Atalanta, the Europa League winner, four days later in Italy. A visit to Manchester City completes a grueling week on Sept. 22.

Norway was level at 1-1 when Odegaard went off and won the game on Haaland’s 80th-minute goal.