---
title: "Yasmine Kabbaj Stuns Berfu Cengiz in Rabat First Round"
description: "Moroccan Yasmine Kabbaj used a first-set tiebreak win to springboard to a straight-sets victory over Turkey's Berfu Cengiz in Rabat."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/yasmine-kabbaj-cr-e-la-surprise-rabat-grand-prix-sar-la-pr-c5808b6b
published: 2026-06-10T20:34:39.971+00:00
updated: 2026-06-10T20:34:39.971+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["f1"]
---

# Yasmine Kabbaj Stuns Berfu Cengiz in Rabat First Round

> Moroccan Yasmine Kabbaj used a first-set tiebreak win to springboard to a straight-sets victory over Turkey's Berfu Cengiz in Rabat.

Yasmine Kabbaj gave the home crowd in Rabat something to cheer about, knocking out Turkey's Berfu Cengiz 7-6(4), 6-3 in the first round of the 2026 Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem.

The Moroccan handled a tense opening set, using a tiebreak 7-4 to gain the upper hand, then closed the door in the second set for a straight-sets victory in 1 hour 35 minutes.

Kabbaj's tiebreak win proved pivotal.

After a tight first set that offered few clear chances for either player, she found her range in the breaker, taking it 7-4.

That breakthrough allowed her to play more freely in the second set, where she broke early and dictated rallies, never giving Cengiz a path back into the match.

The victory also highlights the depth of Moroccan tennis on this stage.

For a tournament that relies on home interest, Kabbaj's first-round upset injects immediate energy into the draw.

The crowd, which had come expecting competitive matches, now has a clear local favorite to rally behind in the later rounds.

What's next: Kabbaj advances to the second round, where she will aim to continue her run and keep the Moroccan crowd engaged.

## Why this matters

The Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem always carries weight for Moroccan tennis, and Yasmine Kabbaj's upset of Berfu Cengiz delivers a home-nation spark from the first round. By handling the pressure of a tight opening set and surging to a straight-sets victory, Kabbaj not only advances but gives the local crowd a genuine star to rally behind. This result shifts the tournament narrative early, putting the spotlight on a home player who could ride this momentum deep into the draw.

## Frequently asked

### What was the score of the match?

Yasmine Kabbaj defeated Berfu Cengiz 7-6(4), 6-3 in the first round.

### How long did the match last?

The match lasted 1 hour and 35 minutes.

### Who is Yasmine Kabbaj?

Yasmine Kabbaj is a Moroccan tennis player competing at the 2026 Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem in Rabat.

### Why is this match significant?

It marks a home-court upset for Morocco in the first round, giving the tournament an early home-nation storyline.

## Sources & Citations

- [Yasmine Kabbaj crée la surprise à Rabat Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem 2026 - 1er tour](https://radiomars.ma/fr/?p=923) — GNews.io (2026-05-19)

---

Cite: Yasmine Kabbaj Stuns Berfu Cengiz in Rabat First Round. Sportopod, 2026-06-10. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/yasmine-kabbaj-cr-e-la-surprise-rabat-grand-prix-sar-la-pr-c5808b6b