“I got congratulated by Roger Federer, now I’m good in my tennis career” Ons Jabeur after qualifying for quarter-finals of Wimbledon 2021
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Roger Federer and Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur created history by becoming the first Arab since 1975 to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon after a thrilling 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 win over Iga Swiatek in the 4th round of the Wimbledon 2021.
Ons also became the first-ever Arab woman to reach the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon 2021. This is the 2nd quarter-final qualification for the Tunisian who had also reached the last-8 of the 2020 Australian Open.
Ons thanks ITF for helping her in intial days
Ons started on the ITF level right from her junior days and was a regular player on the ITF Circuit for quite a while after turning Pro in 2010. She played all 4 Grand Slams for the first time in 2017, post which she has been a regular on the WTA Tour.
“I was lucky enough to be chosen by ITF. They helped me. I think it was back in 2017, that was the time I had broken through the Top-100. It was very helpful, tennis is a very difficult sport financially and if you find that kind of support, and find that you probably have a certain amount that will help you, then you can focus more on playing.
“I had a coach, I had a team behind me and that’s what I needed to focus on more, than the money outside. I feel a little bit stressed on the court, which is a good thing, it means that I care about the match. I try to prepare myself as much as I can.” said Ons.
“I try to stay confident on the court, it’s very important. Playing against players from the Top-10 is never easy so I always try to keep calm and try to play my best tennis,” added Ons about her preparations coming into the matches as she moves into the business end of the tournament.
“Andy Roddick is my idol” says Ons Jabeur
Jabeur had mentioned many times how she has idolised former World No. 1 Andy Roddick and also other tennis stars such as Justine Henin, Kim Klijsters and Serena Williams.
“I get inspired by many players. Not only tennis players but other athletes as well. Everybody knows that (Andy) Roddick is my favourite, he’s my idol. I look up to many players. Actually, I got congratulated by Roger (Federer) after my match, which was amazing.
“I think now I’m good in my tennis career. He was very nice. He took the time to say congrats. That inspires me a lot and gives me the hunger to win more,” said Ons about her idols and who she looks up to in the sporting world.” said Jabeur.
Ons talks about the crowd support towards her
Ons had some great support for her during her match against Iga Swiatek and was also had a brief moment with some fans whom she signalled to cheer louder.
“Tunisians are everywhere, I got to say. They were singing a football song, I felt the need to sing with them also. I felt so happy and wanted to hear it more. It’s amazing to hear that, even playing against an amazing player like Iga, most of the crowd was helping and supporting me and I was hearing more of my name.
“It gives me a lot of confidence and honestly I appreciate it a lot and I hope that they come for the next match,” concluded Ons in her post-match press conference.
Ons Jabeur will now be playing against World No. 4 and the 2nd seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the first quarter-final at Wimbledon for both the players.
Also Read: Wimbledon 2021: Ash Barty storms into the quarterfinals with a win over Barbora Krejcikova
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