Ons Jabeur reaches women's semifinals at US Open tennis tournament

NEW YORK -- Fifth-seeded Ons Jabeur became the first woman representing an African nation to make the semifinals at the US Open during the professional era, holding on for a 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over Ajla Tomljanovic on Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I know that I have it in me that I can win a Grand Slam,'' Jabeur, from Tunisia, said after the match.

Tomljanovic, who eliminated Serena Williams in the third round, exchanged a lengthy hug at the net with Jabeur, who is a close friend, following the match.

"Just trying to do my job and hopefully I inspire more and more generations from Africa,'' Jabeur said. "It really means a lot to me.''

Jabeur will next face the winner of the other women's quarterfinal Tuesday between 18-year-old American Coco Gauff and Caroline Garcia of France in the night session.

It was Jabeur's 43rd match win of the season, which is second on the WTA Tour this year after Iga Swiatek's 54 wins.

The 28-year-old Jabeur, who rallied from 5-3 down in the second set and was two points from losing that set, apologized for throwing her racket at times during the match.

"I wanted to keep calm, but the racket kept slipping from my hands,'' she said.

Tomljanovic had nine double faults in the match, bringing her total in the US Open to 35, which is tops among women. She was making her third quarterfinal appearance in the last six majors.

The Associated Press and ESPN Stats & Information contributed to this report.