Ons Jabeur jokes about "threatening" rivals, stresses importance of getting "humanity into the tour"
Ons Jabeur had her characteristic sense of humor on display as she opined on the importance of camaraderie between players on the WTA tour.
After managing to prevail over Caroline Dolehide in what was a tough second-round match at the 2023 Charleston Open, Jabeur dwelt at some length into why building a relationship with players around is important to her.
While the Tunisian did so in all seriousness, she began with a quip, stating that she "threatens" her rivals to say good things about her.
"I threaten them. If you don't say good things about me, you know what I'm going to do," she said during a Tennis Channel interview in Charleston.
The 2022 Wimbledon and US Open finalist also disclosed that she was happy for Aryna Sabalenka following the Belarusian player's Australian Open triumph, knowing how much she struggled, while also hoping that people wouldn't judge players too quickly.
"I was very happy for Aryna (Sabalenka) when she won the Australian Open. I know how much she struggled. We know what is happening inside the locker rooms and some people don't know and are harsh with the comments. I have huge respect for Aryna (Sabalenka) and for Paula (Badosa). Such a difficult sport and every person has a personal story. So I hope people don't judge players too quickly," the Arab star said.
Getting "humanity into the tour" was important, according to Ons Jabeur.
"We try to bring humanity into the tour. Sometimes players forget it's just a tennis match," she stressed.
"Tennis is sometimes about a couple of points" - Ons Jabeur after advancing to Charleston Open QF
Ons Jabeur advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Charleston Open following back-to-back wins. After undergoing minor knee surgery following the Australian Open, where she made a second-round exit, Jabeur failed to come into her own at Indian Wells and Miami.
The 2022 Charleston Open runner-up reckoned that her second-round clash against Caroline Dolehide was not easy, but winning crucial points helped her clinch a win.
"She served really well, so I lost my momentum and I couldn't find the rhythm again. She started stepping on the court and putting a lot of pressure on me. I am glad because it was just a few points you know. I was 40-15 down on her serve and I tried my best. Tennis is sometimes just a couple of points and when you get them you can win a match," the second seed explained.
Ons Jabeur, who had earlier got past Lesia Tsurenko in her opening round, will take on Anna Kalinskaya of Russia in the quarterfinals.