"If people are not talking about me like they're talking about Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina, it's for a reason" - Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur has assessed her concerning decline in form, which has led to her name not being considered anymore whenever favorites for the biggest tournaments in women's tennis are discussed. The Tunisian, currently competing at the French Open, spoke at length on the subject following her second-round win over Camila Osorio on Wednesday (May 29).
Jabeur became the World No. 2 in June 2022, and managed to reach the finals of three Majors; the 2022 and 2023 Wimbledon Championships, and the 2022 US Open. Unfortunately, on all three occasions, she finished second-best.
The Tunisian's 2023 Wimbledon final loss was particularly jarring, as she and her husband Karim Kamoun had plans of starting a family had she won the prestigious grasscourt Major. Jabeur's form since then, for the most part, has been poor, and she has picked up only 22 wins from 39 matches played. Her only title following the heartbreak of Wimbledon came at last year's Ningbo Open.
As a result of her mostly poor performances, she now finds herself ranked World No. 9. However, her 2024 French Open campaign so far has gone on the right track. She comprehensively defeated Sachia Vickery in her Roland Garros opener. However, against Osorio in the second round, she struggled at times before eventually overcoming the Colombian's threat.
At a press conference following her win over Osorio, Jabeur came clean on her name no more being regarded as highly as the likes of rivals Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
"Obviously I am what I am today. And if people are not talking about me like they're talking about Iga Swiatek or Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina, it's for a reason, you know. I just want to have what I deserve. I deserve to be in spot eight - or nine, because Jessica Pegula pulled out. But, yeah, that's tennis," Jabeur said.
However, Jabeur went on to add that she is still trying her best to play at her highest possible level. The three-time Major finalist also pointed to the harsh reality of tennis, where performances and results sometimes don't go hand-in-hand.
"I am hanging in there. I'm trying, you know, to get back to my level, or at least very close to the level I was at. It's not easy, but nothing is sure in tennis. You can play unbelievably and lose, and you can play s**tty and win," Jabeur added.
Ons Jabeur broke down in tears during a match at the Abu Dhabi Open earlier this year
In early February, Jabeur featured at the Abu Dhabi Open, where her run was cut short by Beatriz Haddad Maia in the quarterfinals. The Tunisian failed to get into the game and at one point during the match, her emotions got the better of her, as she struggled to hold back her tears.
Later, Jabeur said that a niggling knee injury, which had played its own part in her form struggles, was the reason behind her tearful on-court outburst.
"I wasn't feeling 100 percent, unfortunately, my knee still bothers me a bit. Today wasn't to be my day. I was trying to fight and get through this match but when you play against someone who plays amazing like Beatriz, it's tough to compete. I tried my best and tried to stay focused and play my game but unfortunately, I couldn't," Jabeur said.
Jabeur will face either 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez or Wang Xiyu in the third round of the French Open. Fernandez and Xiyu's match came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday due to rainy weather in Paris.