“90% commitment might not be good enough,” Mats Wilander hopes for a better commitment from Ons Jabeur to challenge for Grand Slam titles
Mats Wilander backs a better committed Ons Jabeur to make wonders in 2023.
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Mats Wilander, Ons Jabeur
Swedish legend Mats Wilander heaped praises on Ons Jabeur. The Tunisian is currently ranked World No.2. Wilander said that with an improved commitment on the court, Jabeur has all the potential to win majors this season. She was able to reach two major finals in 2022 but failed to cross the finishing line.
Wilander quoted, “I think that she’s got a great mind, cerebrally. She does a lot of things players don’t like, her opponents. She’s got a lot of things, she gives them different looks, different spins. She’s got the game and she has a natural feel for the sport. She’s a great tennis player.”
Wilander later touched upon the commitment aspects of Jabeur, “I think there’s more that she could do from that aspect. Probably more everyone could do, but I think because of the style she plays, it’s more of a premium for her. The game is there, the head’s there, but the commitment – that I had trouble with myself – to get that 100%. 90% might not be good enough to win the majors, you might need to be 95-100%.”
Wilander then explained the aspects of her game that make her special, “I would say this for everyone, but someone like Jabeur who plays that crafty game, who’s not going to blow you off the court, needs to be in that superior fitness so that she can do her thing and impact her opponents more and not think ‘if I’m running out of gas I‘ve got to get out of my comfort zone“
How the physical game is an important factor in today’s game, Wilander also had a say on this, “The game in men and women physically is faster than it’s ever been. So, therefore, conditioning and athletic abilities are more at a premium than it ever was for men and women.” (Source: Eurosport UK)
Ons Jabeur continues her good form in 2023
The Tunisian World No.2 Ons Jabeur had a great 2022 season reaching the finals of two majors. She seems to continue her good form in the season starting as she already bagged 2 straight sets victories in the Adelaide International tournament. She will face the Czech World No.102 Linda Noskova in the semi-finals.
Ons Jabeur started 2022 ranked inside the Top 10 WTA rankings. She reached the quarter-finals of most of the WTA tournaments. Jabeur won the title at the Madrid Open defeating Jessica Pegula. She also won the Grass Court Championship after Belinda Bencic withdrew during the finals.
Ons Jabeur faced Iga Swiatek three times in the year. While twice was during the major finals, the other time was at the Italian Open finals. But, it was the Polish player who won all three times. Also, it was the Arab’s debut campaign at the 2022 WTA Finals but failed to go past the group stage. It was one of her best seasons since she ended the year as World No 2.
World No 2 has been bestowed with the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award at the 2022 WTA Awards. She has been adjudged for her gracious nature on and off the court. For a spectacular 2022 season, she has been voted as the Arab Sports Personality.
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Vipul Payattuparambil
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