One could not pass by the exceptional performances of Tunisian tennis woman Ons Jabeur on Sunday 26 January 2020. It is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be commended. The young Tunisian qualified in the 4th round of the Australian Open, one of the most important Grand Slams of tennis, after beating the former world number 1, Caroline Wozniacki.
This is a great first for a Tunisian and African sportswoman. Ons Jabeur proudly hoisted the Tunisian flag at the top during this prestigious Grand Slam. She has been winning match after match. The mastery of her game was matched only by her remarkable physical condition and extreme concentration.
It was not only in Tunisia that she drew admiration and encouragement. Abroad too, Ons Jabeur was applauded. “This is incredible. I’m shaking right now. I can’t describe what I’m feeling,” she said, not without emotion, after her victory over the former world No1 on the morning of Sunday 26 January 2020.
“I’m a 100% Tunisian product.”
This quote – “I am a 100% Tunisian product” – was relayed by a very large majority of our colleagues in Tunisia. This is what Ons Jabeur said in an interview with the newspaper l’Equipe when she confided about her training and her career. This is a nice way to express her gratitude for her country while success opens her arms wide.
For her next match against the American Sofia Kenin, the Tunisian said that “it will be a good match”. Whatever the outcome of the latter, the young Tunisian sportswoman will not fail to be praised.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for her!
Jabeur never stopped ‘dreaming’
Starting tennis at the age of three, Jabeur was a junior star and won girls’ championship at the 2011 French Open, and although it took time for her to grow into her career, she was ranked for the last three seasons in the top 100.
Previously, no Arab woman was rated as high, giving Jabeur — who identifies herself as “100% of Tunisian product”—another piece of history.
Jabeur ‘s family has been a stabilizing force throughout her life, and her husband Karim Kamoun does not only have moral support; he even serves as her fitness instructor.
“I’m grateful that I have such support as we’ve been through tough times. It’s finally paying off now,” said Ons.
