Two-time finalist Ons Jabeur primed for Grand Slam breakthrough

FILE PHOTO: Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 5, 2022 Ons Jabeur of Tunisia celebrates winning her quarter-final match against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo

World number two Ons Jabeur said on Saturday that his match in the 2022 Grand Slam final only increased his desire to lift the major trophy.

The Tunisian top seed at the Adelaide International lost in three sets to Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon last July, then reached the US Open title match two months later, going down to Iga Swiatek.

He said he wants to take his game to the top of the podium, starting at the Australian Open in January.

“I was ready to win this year (2022), but it didn’t happen,” he said. “I did everything I could to win the Grand Slam. I just wanted to go.

“This year, 2023, just be free and play my game. I’m happy to get the experience of two Grand Slam finals.

Jabeur, the first Arab woman in the WTA’s top 10, said she and her team worked hard during the off-season to set up a strong game.

“We have worked hard to improve many things, we know more about my game,” he said.

“I feel that this year will be very special for me. I gave it my all, I worked hard in training, and I hit the ball well.

And the 28-year-old says Australia’s notoriously hot weather won’t be a problem for him.

“I’m from Tunisia and I’m used to hot weather – which is good,” he said.

“The most important thing is to be prepared, hydrate better and do a routine for hot weather.”

Jabeur will open in Adelaide after a first-round bye against Romanian champion Sorana Cirstea and qualifier.

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