Ons Jabeur on playing with Serena Williams: “I’m a good secret-keeper”
The Tunisian says she can’t wait to partner the 23-time Grand Slam champion in doubles in Eastbourne this week
AI / Reuters / Panoramic
It was shortly before the French Open when Ons Jabeur received some surprise news. Her services would be needed on grass, she didn’t know which week or in which tournament, to aid Serena Williams’ return to the tour.
When the American teased the news herself on her Instagram account last week, it was quickly followed by confirmation from Wimbledon that the seven-time champion, out of action for a year through injury, would be awarded a wildcard into this year’s Championships.
The 40-year-old Williams will be playing for the first time since last year’s Wimbledon, where she suffered a leg injury in the first round that has kept her off the tour ever since.
“It was hard, but I’m a good secret-keeper, you know,” Jabeur told Tennis Majors. “It was tough but it was worth it. I mean, such an honour for me that she chose me. I’m really glad and hopefully we’re going to have a great tournament together in Eastbourne and hopefully it won’t rain there, so we can play some doubles.”
Having just hit a career-high ranking of No 3 on Monday, Jabeur is in the form of her life, having picked up her second title of the year in Berlin at the weekend.
Jabeur on Serena: “She will choose the side. She’s the queen”
But when you play with someone who’s won 23 Grand Slam titles, there are still going to be nerves.
“I am nervous, excited, all the great emotions you can have when you are next to such a legend and I really cannot wait,” she said.
But one thing’s for certain, Jabeur knows her place and will let Serena decide which side she wants to play on.
“She will choose,” Jabeur said. “She’s the queen, she will choose. I’m just obeying.”
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