Jabeur, Badosa complete BNP Paribas Open semifinal field

The top half of the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal matches completed Thursday evening to the delight of fans. Three WTA rising stars and one very accomplished tour veteran and Grand Slam champion set the stage.

No.12 seed Ons Jabeur (TUN) d. No.18 seed Anett Kontaveit [EST] 7-5 6-3

Jabeur and Kontaveit had faced each other three times before. The most recent meeting was in Cincinnati where Jabeur came out on top in three sets. Thursday’s quarterfinal at the BNP Paribas Open was tight, but Jabeur had a little extra on her shots and a bit less nervous energy.

The end of the first set was tense, as Kontaveit broke Jabeur to 5-5. But thru cunning artistry the Tunisian took back the reins, breaking…