“I’m hoping to go and get the title in Wimbledon” – Jabeur’s mind already on the grass as she takes positives from Roland-Garros run

Jabeur lost from a set up against Haddad Maia in the quarter-finals of the French Open, but the Tunisian is proud of her unexpected run in Paris

Zuma / Panoramic

Jamie Malachy

June 7, 2023

Ons Jabeur has every reason to feel positive about where her game is at, despite her surprise exit at the hands of Brazilian Haddad Maia in the quarter-finals of Roland-Garros.

As the Tunisian herself pointed out, this was her first tournament major tournament since returning from a calf injury sustained at the Stuttgart Open at the beginning of the clay-court stretch. That followed a lengthy spell she had already spent on the side-lines following this year’s Australian Open.

Given this bad run of luck with injury, few had high expectations for Jabeur’s prospects at Roland-Garros this year, but – as she so often does – the Tunisian surprised herself with an impressive run to the last eight in Paris.

“I think it is a great tournament. I honestly wasn’t expecting to be in the quarter-finals. Especially this is kind of my first tournament after being injured,” Jabeur said in her post-match press conference.

“I think it was good. I was trying to push myself until the end, but I think pretty satisfied with the results.

“You always want to push for more, but I mean hopefully next time will be better, and no more quarter-final here at the French Open.”

Roland-Garros in the rear-view mirror, Wimbledon on the horizon

The former world No 2 was a Wimbledon finalist last year, going a set up in that final before losing a close match an inspired Elena Rybakina.

I’m hoping to go and get the title really in Wimbledon. I’m dreaming about it. It’s something that I always wanted.
Jabeur on Wimbledon title hopes

The Tunisian’s variety, deft hand and willingness to volley all serve her well in being the a superb grass-court player that she is. Following her exit from the clay-court stretch’s premier event, Jabeur is already turning her attention to the grass season.

“Yeah, for now I think I’m going to have the same schedule. Berlin, Eastbourne… Then Wimbledon. Just trying to play as much matches as I can.

“To be honest with you, I want to enjoy playing on grass because I do enjoy a lot. I’m hoping to go and get the title really in Wimbledon. I’m dreaming about it. It’s something that I always wanted.

“Last year was unfortunate because I was very close. When I put something in my mind, I know I can do it, so it’s definitely here.”