Ons Jabeur is only one victory away from fulfilling her great dream of becoming the first African to win a Grand Slam tournament. The Tunisian admitted that she didn’t watch the finals played last year at Wimbledon and the US Open, but also that she never gave up hope.
Jabeur is a woman on a mission and, on more than one occasion, she has shown that she is willing to do anything to achieve her true goal. Down by a set both against Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals and with Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, the player born in 1994 found the strength to react and complete two very important comebacks.
At the final of the Champioships she will face Marketa Vondrousova.
Jabeur: “I hope to make history for Tunisia and for Africa”
Ons said in the press conference: “A crazy match. I’m happy to have stayed in the game and to have played better and better. Now there’s only one game to go… The draw was tough this year. I’ve faced strong female tennis players who play well on any surface and great on grass.
This gives me confidence in view of the final. The 2022 final loss at Wimbledon taught me to be very patient and accept whatever happens on the court. Last year I probably would have lost this game. I’m a different player. I’m working on myself like crazy.
I always try to improve. I’m getting close to winning a Grand Slam, something I’ve always wanted. I’ve always believed in it, but sometimes you wonder if it will ever happen. I hope the third time is right.”
Jabeur finally spoke about his next opponent, Marketa Vondrousova: “I will seek my revenge, because I have not won against her this year. I will try to focus on myself. We both want to win. Support from the public? People always tell me: It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, we will always love you.
They are beautiful words to hear. I have a goal and I will try to be 100% ready. I hope I can make history not only for Tunisia but also for Africa.”