"It's going to be fun to watch" - Jabeur relishing Ostapenko drama with no hawk-eye

| by Jamie Malachy

Ons Jabeur has taken a playful swipe at both Jelena Ostapenko and the clay-court season's lack of hawk-eye ahead of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix this week.

Speaking to press in Germany ahead of the WTA 500 tournament, Jabeur joked that it will be fun to watch the frequently combustible Jelena Ostapenko in an arena that relies purely on line judges and the umpire for line calls, with the clay stretch of the season still insisting that no hawk-eye is needed.

Clay-court tournaments rely upon the mark left on the surface of the court by the ball for confirmation of any disputed line calls - something which consistently resurfaces as a point of controversy.

2023 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart WTA Draw with Swiatek, Rybakina, Sabalenka & more
2023 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart WTA Draw with Swiatek, Rybakina, Sabalenka & more

Just last week at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Djokovic was left incensed by a call deemed to be in by the chair umpire when hawk-eye showed the ball was out.

But World No. 4 Jabeur has chosen to focus on the funny side of an absence of hawk-eye, pointing out that any line disputes between Latvian Ostapenko and the chair umpire could make for entertaining viewing.

It's going to be fun to watch all the calls and the marks and the no Hawk-Eye, so let's see how it's gonna be. For me, I'm going to have popcorn and enjoy every time Ostapenko goes for the referee. 

Jabeur talking about the upsides to a lack of hawk-eye

Talking about the match between 2017 French Open winner Ostapenko and 2021 US Champion Emma Raducanu, Jabeur said she expects it to be a "beautiful" match, but it was a quick one with Ostapenko beating Raducanu in 60 minutes.

Two great players, you know. Both they hit very hard. Maybe Ostapenko maybe a little bit more. I think it's going to be beautiful match -- I hope both they get tired -- and be ready for my match.

Jabeur on Ostapenko's match against Raducanu
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