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By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, January 15, 2024
Tunisian trailblazer Ons Jabeur has inspired players all over the world.
The sixth-seeded Jabeur will come face-to-face with one of her biggest fans when she faces 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the Australian Open second round.
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A year ago, Andreeva reached the AO girls' final then went on to rocket up the WTA rankings to her current rank of No. 47.
Andreeva, who was ranked No. 312 last April, qualified for both Roland Garros and Wimbledon last summer where she made it all the way to the round of 16.
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur offered candid assessment of facing one of her biggest fans.
"It's going to be a very difficult match. I know she's 16 years old, but she's very tough," Jabeur told the media in Melbourne. "I might be her idol, but she wants to go there and kick my ass, for sure.
"But it's an honor to play her, really. I'm a big fan of her and love her attitude on the court. It's going to be an amazing match for both of us. I have been -- I wanted to practice with her, but every time it's difficult. Here is the first practice until the next ones."
Photo credit: Getty