TUNIS: Ons Jabeur is aiming to make history at Wimbledon by becoming the first African or Arab woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. The 28-year-old Tunisian is up against Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic in the final.
Jabeur has overcome numerous challenges, including injuries, to reach this point. Despite facing difficult times, she has continued to push her boundaries.
Considered a national hero in Tunisia, Jabeur is the favorite in this final match against the unseeded Vondrousova.
Jabeur’s journey to the top ranks of women’s tennis has been anything but easy. She started playing on hotel tennis courts in Hammam Sousse at the age of three and later joined a sports academy in Tunis.
During the Tunisian “Arab Spring” revolution in 2011, Jabeur won the Roland Garros junior tournament at just 16 years old.
– Fighting spirit –
Jabeur has always been described as dynamic, friendly, and sociable, with a great sense of humor. She has consistently shown a fighting spirit on the court, battling for every point.
She possesses the ability to bounce back from adversity, as demonstrated by her achievements, such as reaching the Australian Open quarter-finals in 2020 and making it to the Wimbledon final last year.
Jabeur is determined to make Tunisia proud and understands the importance of staying focused. She cherishes the traditions and history of Wimbledon, comparing it to a wedding.
Former playing partners remember a young girl who trained with the boys and dominated the local girls’ game, leaving some male players demoralized.
– ‘Going full in’ –
Jabeur identifies herself as a product of Tunisia and has brought attention to tennis in a country where football had always been the dominant sport.
Although she loves football, Jabeur uses tennis as a tool to inspire younger players in Tunisia, the Arab world, and Africa.
Three years ago, she believed that she was capable of reaching the semi-finals and even winning a Grand Slam title. Now, she prepares for her momentous Wimbledon final.
“Yeah, I’m going full in, and hopefully this time it will work,” Jabeur said after the semi-final. –AFP
