Ons Jabeur Sets A New Record With Grand Slam Final Debut

Ons Jabeur just reached her first Grand Slam singles final. She is the first African to reach that feat. Jabeur achieved this feat on Thursday 7 July 2022 when she beat Tatjana Maria 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, in the semi-finals. She will face Elena Rybakina in the finals scheduled to hold on Saturday 9 July 2022.

Interestingly, this is also Rybakina’s first Wimbledon final. The 23-year-old Kazakhstani player made history as the first woman from her country to reach that feat. The faceoff at the final means that regardless of where the pendulum swings, Wimbledon will have a first-time female singles winner.

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After winning the semi-final, Ons Jabeur took to Twitter to celebrate her win with the words “Finals baby!!”. However, she showed great sportsmanship by also leaving some words of admiration for her opponent. Further down the same tweet celebrating her win she wrote, “@Maria_Tatjana, you were amazing. An inspiration for all women athletes out there!”

What Ons Jabeur thinks about reaching the final

Ons Jabeur was glowing with smiles at the post-match interview. When asked by the interviewer how good it sounds to be at the Wimbledon finals, there was a rousing cheer around the court showing how much the fans appreciate her. In response to that question, Jabeur said,

“I really don’t know what to say. It is a dream coming true from years and years of work and sacrifice. I am happy it is paying off and I have to continue for one more match now.”

Interestingly, Ons Jabeur and Tatjana are great friends. Jabeur spends time with Tatjana’s family and kids. Therefore, it must have been tough for the ladies to put that friendship behind and battle it out on the court. In response to a similar question, Jabeur said,

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“I think it was more difficult running for her balls. She has to make me a barbecue to make up for the running I did on the court. She is such an inspiration for so many players including me. Coming back after having two babies, I still can’t believe how she did it.”

The interviewer reminded Ons of how much inspiration she is too particularly for being the first African woman to reach the final of a Grand Slam. In response Jabeur said,

“I am a proud Tunisian woman standing here today and know in Tunisia they are going crazy right now. I just try to inspire as much as I can and would want to see more Tunisia, Arab and African players on tour. Also, I love the game and want to share this experience with them.”

Previous African Grand Slam finalists

Ons Jabeur and Tatjana Maria shared the first two sets before Jabeur cruised to the finals in the third set. Without a doubt, it was obvious why she was ranked number two in the world.

Prior to Thursday 7 July 2022, Irene Bowder Peacock and Renee Schuurman at the 1927 French Open and 1959 Australian Open were the other people of African descent that have reached the Grand Slam singles finals. Both ladies were of South African descent.