Ambitious Jabeur looking for the first and only major glory
On Saturday, Ons Jabeur stated that she is determined to be world number one by 2023. This comes after a season in which she was just short of the maiden major crown.
After finishing second at Wimbledon and the US Open last season, the world number two is poised for Grand Slam glory.
Tunisian says, “I will use that experience last year because it was kinda tough,” ahead of the Australian Open which starts at Melbourne Park on Monday.
“My goal is not to lose any more finals. I just want to use this to be prepared for the next one.”
The 28 year-old was the first Arab woman and African woman to reach the Slam finals. She will now face Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia in the first round.
Jabeur stated that she was not satisfied with her previous Australian Open performance.
She stated, “I may not feel as happy as in 2020 reaching the quarterfinal.”
“To be ranked second in the world, the goal is to get to the second week and make it to the finals.”
She stated that she was determined to remove Iga Swiatek, Poland’s top ranking candidate, and was not afraid of setting lofty goals for her.
She said, “I like this type of pressure.” “I will put more pressure on me because sometimes you just need that to be a top player.”
Jabeur, a late bloomer, was 26 when she won her maiden WTA title at Birmingham in 2021. She also added Madrid and Berlin trophies to her collection last year. She is eager to make up lost time.
“I want number one in the world. Not just for the number, but also for the level and discipline. She said she wanted to win more titles, and obtain the Grand Slam title.
“I know many players are eager to do more. It’s going be very interesting these two weeks.
Jabeur was stunned when Linda Noskova (a rising Czech teenager) beat her in the semi finals at Adelaide earlier this year. Jabeur sustained a back injury in the first set.
She was able to overcome any concerns about her fitness, particularly after she missed last year’s Australian Open due to a similar back issue.
She stated, “It is actually much, far better.” “I only needed a few days to be ready.”
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