"I want to see more players from Middle East and Africa" - Jabeur encourages upcoming generation with Wimbledon success
WTA
Ons Jabeur has yet to lose a set on grass in 2022, and she's just one match away from winning the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, which she hopes inspires people in the Middle East and Africa.
During the 2022 season, Jabeur became the hero of her country and the whole African continent. Now, the Tunisian player is close to winning her maiden Grand Slam title and she showed that she cares about the upcoming generation.
As an African and Arab player, she wants to inspire people from her region to pick up the tennis racket. Following her semi-final win at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, Jabeur spoke about how she wants to see more Arabs and Africans play the sport.
"It feels amazing to be in the final. Now one more step to hopefully get the title. It's always about Tunisia somehow. I want to go bigger, inspire many more generations. Tunisia is connected to the Arab world, and is connected to the African continent. In the area, we want to see more players."
"It's not like Europe or any other countries. I want to see more players from my country, from the Middle East, from Africa. I think we didn't believe enough at certain point that we can do it. Now I'm just trying to show that, and hopefully people are getting inspired."
Jabeur has a very nice nickname among tennis fans but also those who support her in Tunisia. They call her the "Minister of Happiness" since she always sports a bright smile on her face. She loves being recognized like that.
"It's nice of them to call me that minister of happiness name at home, unbelievable. It's funny because the actual minister calls me ‘Hello, Minister’. It's funny."
"It's tough times in Tunisia sometimes. When they see my matches, always say sports always unites people. I'm happy they follow me. They're pushing me to do better."
In 2022, the women's singles Wimbledon final will be played on Eid-al-Adha, which is a major Islamic holiday. Jabeur would love to lift the title during her favorite holiday.
"I mean, if I make it and win the title on that special holiday, one of my favourites actually, it's going to be great. I always miss it. I always want to be with the family for that one. It always reminds me of being a child, and I used to have great moments with my family that day."
"It's like Christmas for you guys - similar for us. I’ll have a special celebration maybe after, and hopefully we'll enjoy it in positive vibes."
