"I come with high expectations": Jabeur Hoping For Deep Run At Wimbledon

Sunday, 26 June 2022 at 19:45

Updated at Sunday, 04 August 2024 at 08:06

Jabeur Ons MadridOpen2022 FlorinBaltatoiu8

byJordan Reynolds

Ons Jabeur's best Grand Slam result came at last year's Wimbledon Championships, but the Tunisian is not content with that quarterfinal appearance. She wants to go even further this year at SW19.

Jabeur's run to the quarterfinal in 2021 was awe-inspiring. In the second round, she knocked out the five-time champion in London, Venus Williams, 7-5, 6-0.

The 27-year-old overcame another former winner in the following round. Jabeur recovered from a set down against 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza, prevailing 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, creating headlines in the process.

She secured a quarterfinal place by beating Iga Swiatek in the fourth round. Once again, Jabeur had to come back from a set down, winning 5-7, 6-1, 6-1. Aryna Sabalenka ended her run at the quarterfinal stage.

Understandably, the memories from those results have given Jabeur additional confidence heading into this year's Wimbledon Championships. She did not hide her high expectations for the tournament in a press conference.

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Amazing memories from last year, especially the crowd was amazing, playing on Centre Court was a dream come true. This year I come with high expectations. Obviously the main goal is to go further than a quarter-final. I’m ready for the challenge and hopefully the Centre Court will bring me much more luck.

— Jabeur on last year's Wimbledon<br>

Jabeur's preparations for Wimbledon will also have given her belief. She won the title at the Berlin Open, including a straight-sets semifinal triumph against Coco Gauff, the recent French Open runner-up.

That was followed by playing doubles with Serena Williams at the Eastbourne International. The pair made it to the semifinal, but they withdrew at that stage due to Jabeur carrying a slight injury.

The Tunisian's words before Wimbledon indicate that injury is no longer a problem. Observing whether Jabeur can better last year's result at SW19 will be fascinating.