“I like responsibility” – Tunisian pioneer Jabeur on being a role model
Ons Jabeur hopes to inspire even more players in the future
Ons Jabeur in Rome (Zuma/PSNewz)
Ons Jabeur is the highest-ranked African and Arab player in tennis history, reaching the world No 2 spot. Add to that three Grand Slam finals, and it’s no wonder that the 30-year-old has been hailed as a role model and a great example for the next generations.
“I’ve enjoyed responsibility or liked responsibility ever since I was young,” she said in a press conference ahead of Roland-Garros. “I’m trying to set an example. I would have liked to see more players like me when I was growing up. But I hope I’m giving a good example.”
She added that she knows there are plenty of talented players coming through, but they need support from coaches and their federations – and she is always open to helping if she can. Currently that is in an informal way, offering advice where requested, but she suggested that in the future she might be looking at something more structured.
“I’m always open to talking to them, to giving them advice, sharing my experience that maybe people don’t recognise or don’t know. This might help them.
“I also try to be in contact with the people I know. Why not one day create my own academy to share my experience and see more Arab women players fulfill their dreams?
“I believe the talent is there. What they need is the right support. We need to show them the direction and open the doors and hope that things get better. I believe you should always believe in your dreams. You have to work hard for that, not let anything go. If I’m here, it’s because I had this belief.”
Jabeur: I always demand more from myself
Jabeur is currently ranked world No 35, without a title since 2023, and although her confidence might not be as high as in previous years, she hopes to be able to play freely on the Roland-Garros courts, beginning with her first-round match against Magdalena Frech.
“I always demand more from myself even though I know I haven’t played a lot of matches on clay and I know maybe confidence-wise is not amazing.
“It’s a different approach. Let’s put it that way. Let’s see what is going to happen. I know I have the game. I know I can play amazing. Just need to click. I hope it will happen.
“All I know is I’ve been giving 100% and even more during practice. We had amazing two weeks of practice. I’ll try my best so I don’t regret it. Hopefully all the good energy will be my way.”
