Injured Nadal quits Wimbledon as Jabeur makes African history

Earlier, Jabeur defeated close friend Tatjana Maria in the semi-finals and will play Elena Rybakina in Saturday's championship match.

The 27-year-old world number two from Tunisia triumphed 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 while Russian-born Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, knocked out 2019 champion Simona Halep 6-3, 6-3.

"I'm a proud Tunisian woman standing here," said Jabeur, who was the first Arab player to make a Slam semi-final.

Before Thursday, South Africans Irene Bowder Peacock, at the 1927 French Open, and Renee Schuurman, in the 1959 Australian Open, were the only African women to have reached a Slam singles final, before the Open era.

"I know in Tunisia they are going crazy right now," said Jabeur.

"I want to see more Arab and African players on the tour. I love the game and I want to share the experience with them."

Rybakina overpowered Halep, breaking the Romanian four times in a dominant display on Centre Court.

"It was really good -- today I was mentally prepared and did everything I could and it was an amazing match," said the 23-year-old.

"I think it's going to be a great match (against Jabeur). She's a great player, very tricky player. It's not going to be easy to play against her drop shots and volleys."

Rybakina switched her nationality to Kazakhstan in 2018 to take advantage of greater financial help.

Russian and Belarusian players were banned from this year's Wimbledon following the invasion of Ukraine.