By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Roger Federer and Elena Rybakina both made triumphant Centre Court returns on Tuesday.
Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur says she enjoys entertaining the crowd on the grass courts of the All-England Club.
This year’s No. 6 seed did just that as she delighted the Court No. 1 crowd and herself with a solid 6-3, 6-3 win over Poland’s Magdalena Frech to reach the second round.
Jabeur showed off her full display of shoemaking prowess to defeat her opponent in just 76 minutes to reach the second round. That included an incredible running get while she was up set point in the first set to then make a stunning almost round the net post winner to seal the set in her favor.
After the match the Tunisian star was asked where she comes up with the magical shots that has made her a fan favorite around the world.
“I like to joke around a bit," Jabeur said during her on-court interview with Annabel Croft. "I hate routine so for me doing those shots, it doesn’t really go to the basic forehand or backhand and I like to entertain the crowd with some cool shots so maybe I will keep doing this.”
The 28-year-old Jabeur made history last year when she became the first Arab woman and the first woman from Africa to reach a Grand Slam final. That accomplishment became bittersweet when she lost in that final to eventual champion Elena Rybakina.
Jabeur, who has since been featured in the latest season of the Netflix reality show “Break Point” admitted that the loss stayed with her for quite a while. Though she truly loved returning to Wimbledon this year, it took some adjustment even when she walked into the locker room.
“I mean I entered the locker room and it was Elena’s photo with the trophy so that didn’t help at all,” Jabeur said with a laugh. “But it’s amazing to come back here. Just the atmosphere. The grass is so beautiful.”
And when asked how she grew to love grass courts considering grass courts were likely not available where she grew up, Jabeur cited her love of another sport - football.
Jabeur will next face either Ysaline Bonaventure or Zhuoxuan Bai in the next round.
Photo Credit: Getty