Barbara Schett believes it will be an honour for Serena Williams to play with Ons Jabeur when they team up in Eastbourne
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Serena Williams, Ons Jabeur, Barbara Schett
After a long absence of nearly a year, Serena Williams will return to the tennis courts when she partners with Ons Jabeur in the Doubles event at the 2022 Eastbourne International. Serena is looking at the event as the warmup for the 2022 Wimbledon Championships where she is aiming for her 8th title at the All-England Club and record-tying 24th career Grand Slam title that will make her the joint-most decorated Grand Slam champion.
Serena confirmed her return earlier this week along with informing about her teaming up with Jabeur. The pair will share the court for the first time and are currently separated by 1204 ranking places as Ons is the current World No. 4 while Serena is presently at the 1208th spot in the WTA singles rankings. Serena’s absence has resulted in her drop in rankings and if she becomes a Tour regular again, it’s a matter of time before she is back in the Top-100.
“It sounds like it was Serena Williams’ decision”: Barbara Schett on Serena’s coaching situation
With the tennis world buzzing with excitement over the return of Serena, former Austrian player Barbara Schett gave her two cents over the return of the 23-time Grand Slam champion and praised the American for making a smart decision of playing in doubles prior to testing herself in the singles.
“I think it’s great. I think doubles is always a way to start your journey again after a long break because you only have to cover half of the field. You can serve a lot, you can return a lot. You can get used to the matches again. And I was very happy to hear that she’s going to play in Eastbourne, teaming up with Ons Jabeur. I mean, how exciting is that? And that will help her singles as well. So, I think it’s a very smart position from Serena Williams. What an honour it is for Ons to play with Serena.
“And I think it’s also an honour for Serena to play with Ons Jabeur. She has a big voice on the tour. She had an unbelievable year last year and this year. And I think she’s a very fun person as well. So, I think it’s a great combination. I’ve actually had a quick chat to Ons about that. And yeah, she said she’s absolutely thrilled, and she was so excited when she got the news. And, of course, she’s going to say yes,” said Barbara as per Eurosport.
Barbara also discussed Serena’s coaching situation as she recently split with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou who had been with her since 2012. As per reports, Serena will be under the watchful eyes of Venus Williams’ coach Eric Hechtman. “It sounds like it was a little bit of Serena’s decision as well that she’s quite happy to travel with her own team. I’m not sure who will look after her there. If she has an actual coach or just a hitting partner, I’m sure she’s going to travel with an entourage, that’s for sure.” added Schett.
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Sarthak Shitole
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