Ons Jabeur opens up on her Wimbledon tears in a revealing interview
Ons Jabeur has given her most revealing interview yet, as she admitted her defeat against Elena Rybakina in last year’s Wimbledon final was the toughest of her career so far.
In an extensive chat with journalist Mark Lomas which is the cover story in the January edition of Vogue Arabia, the world No 2 spoke about her life on and off the court, as well as her relationship with her husband, Karim Kamoun.
When asked about the pain she felt after a defeat against Elena Rybakina on Centre Court at Wimbledon last summer, Jabeur conceded she was devastated to lose in a tournament that she admits is her dream event.
“The Wimbledon final was the worst of the two because it is a tournament that I love so much,” Jabeur told Vogue Arabia.
“I was really heartbroken afterwards, but I knew that I did everything in my power to win this final. I don’t keep things inside.
“I cried a little bit and that helped to get the emotions out. It didn’t happen but you just have to move on.
“I always try to be a positive person. It just wasn’t meant to be that day, or at the US Open, but I feel like my time will come very soon.
“I am still extremely proud and grateful that I had this season.
“Tennis is my world; the tennis court is a place where I feel free.
“It’s just something that I’m very blessed to have in my life; it’s great to do what you love, and I truly love tennis.”
Jabeur will feature in the upcoming Netflix series Break Point, as she revealed it will give fans an insight into her life off the court.
“We have never had this before, cameras following us everywhere, and I definitely feel like everyone will see tennis players from a different angle, especially as they were with us in the locker rooms preparing before matches,” Jabeur added.
What a pleasure it was to interview @Ons_Jabeur for this month’s @VogueArabia cover story. An inspirational woman and incredible athlete who was humble and charming – think it could be a big year ahead! 🎾 🇹🇳 pic.twitter.com/inJaRw46bD
— Mark Lomas (@marklomasSport) January 3, 2023
“You will see all the struggles, and what the players go through.
“On the court I feel like there are these demons inside and they come out with all the anger, all the emotion.
“I think it will be interesting for people to discover the personalities of different players – myself included.
“I really cannot wait to share this because honestly I’m not good enough with Instagram and all the social media, so this is a great opportunity for people to see who I am.”
Jabeur is in Adelaide for her first event of 2023 and she told reporters in Australia that she is keen to build on her breakthrough year by going one better in the Grand Slam events.
“I’m glad that I got the experience enough to have two finals in a Grand Slam,” she stated.
“We’ve worked really hard to improve a lot of things during the pre-season.
“We are more aware of my game. I am more aware of my body, my game. It’s a great thing.
“I’m doing everything possible to win a Grand Slam, and for me, I’m just going to go for it.
“This year, 2023, is about just be free and play my game on the court.”
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