Ons Jabeur has every reason to feel positive about where her game is at, despite her surprise exit at the hands of Brazilian Haddad Maia in the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros.
As the Tunisian herself pointed out, this was her first tournament major tournament since returning from a calf injury sustained at the Stuttgart Open at the beginning of the clay-court stretch. That followed a lengthy spell she had already spent on the side-lines following this year’s Australian Open.
Given this bad run of luck with injury, few had high expectations for Jabeur’s prospects at Roland-Garros this year, but – as she so often does – the Tunisian surprised herself with an impressive run to the last eight in Paris.
“I think it is a great tournament. I honestly wasn’t expecting to be in the quarter-finals. Especially this is kind of my first tournament after being injured”, Jabeur said in her post-match press conference.
“I think it was good. I was trying to push myself until the end, but I think pretty satisfied with the results.
“You always want to push for more, but I mean hopefully next time will be better, and no more quarter-final here at the French Open.”
The former world No. 2 was a Wimbledon finalist last year, going a set up in that final before losing a close match an inspired Elena Rybakina.
I’m hoping to go and get the title really in Wimbledon. I’m dreaming about it. It’s something that I always wanted.
Jabeur on Wimbledon title hopes
The Tunisian’s variety, deft hand and willingness to volley all serve her well in being the a superb grass-court player that she is. Following her exit from the clay-court stretch’s premier event, Jabeur is already turning her attention to the grass season.
“Yeah, for now I think I’m going to have the same schedule. Berlin, Eastbourne… Then Wimbledon. Just trying to play as much matches as I can.
“To be honest with you, I want to enjoy playing on grass because I do enjoy a lot. I’m hoping to go and get the title really in Wimbledon. I’m dreaming about it. It’s something that I always wanted.
“Last year was unfortunate because I was very close. When I put something in my mind, I know I can do it, so it’s definitely here.”
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