Mayar Sherif pays tribute to Ons Jabeur after winning the title in Parma, hails the Tunisian for “Breaking down so many barriers”

Mayar Sherif pays tribute to Ons Jabeur after winning the title in Parma, hails the Tunisian for “Breaking down so many barriers”

Ons Jabeur and Mayar Sherif

World No. 74 Mayar Sherif won her first-ever WTA Tour title as she defeated top-seed Maria Sakkari at the 2022 Parma Open. The Egyptian won the match 7-5, 6-3 to confirm a rise of 26 places in rankings to break into the Top 50 once again.

While it was a long-awaited title for Sherif, she did not fail to recognise Ons Jabeur‘s contribution. While Jabeur is just another colleague for Sherif, the Tunisian has been playing some brilliant tennis over the last couple of seasons and has made her way to two Grand Slam finals and World No. 2 rank as well.

“I’m not at all shocked by what Ons is doing. She is a great champion and she has broken down so many barriers and I have no doubt that she is mentally stronger than so many top 10 and top 50 players. Here in Africa, we have that talent, which I don’t think many others have,” said Sherif as per Welovetennis.

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“Ons Jabeur gives me inner strength,”: Mayar Sherif

Mayar Sherif
Mayar Sherif with the Parma Open trophy

Sherif revealed that Jabeur‘s achievements have made her an inspiration and role model for upcoming young players and even Sherif herself who’s just a year younger than Jabeur. The Egyptian further talked about how winning one title has inspired her to win another and the credit for it goes to Jabeur.

“Being at this high level, Ons is mentally ahead of so many people, God bless her. I’m not at all surprised by what she does. What she does really pushes me forward. I see her play a Grand Slam final and I think it’s time for me to push myself even harder. 

“I win a 250 tournament and I’m already thinking about what’s next. She gives me this inner strength; I have the motivation to follow her,” added Sherif during the interview showing massive admiration for the current World No. 2 who finished runner-up at this year’s Wimbledon and the US Open.

Jabeur returns home as the top seed at the 2022 Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia whereas Sherif is likely to take a week’s off after the title run in Italy.

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