Ons Jabeur seeks 'revenge' in second Wimbledon final

Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova - Wimbledon 2023

July 15, 2023

Tennis News, Wimbledon, WTA Tennis Players

Ons Jabeur seeks ‘revenge’ in second Wimbledon final

Ons Jabeur has reached the Wimbledon final for a second consecutive year, as she looks to become the first African woman to win a Grand Slam singles title.

Jabeur beat Aryna Sabalenka, 6(5)-7 6-4 6-3, in her semi-final to prevent the Belarusian from dethroning Iga Swiatek at the top of the WTA rankings.

ONS-TOPPABLE ??@Ons_Jabeur produces a stunning comeback against No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka to reach the ladies’ final, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3 ?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/cFSnkIn55Y

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2023

The Tunisian has beat four consecutive Grand Slam champions on her way to the final, with victories over Bianca Andreescu, Petra Kvitova, Elena Rybakina and Sabalenka.

Jabeur has compared her run to the final at SW19 this year to 2022, “I think this year the draw is much tougher. Playing against amazing players that not only they play good on any surface, but they play amazing on grass. That was very challenging.

“Maybe it’s a good thing, that gives me more confidence to be ready for the final. Also getting that rhythm of playing great tennis to be ready for the next match.”

The 28-year-old has had a slightly more disrupted season this year due to injuries, highlighted by a right knee problem that required surgery.

Jabeur revealed what these setbacks have taught her, “The first thing that comes to my mind is patience. It teach me how to be very patient and accept whatever happened to me with the injury because it was out of my control. I can’t do anything about it. I was trying my best to be ready for the competition.”

She added, “Yeah, I mean, if you tell me you get injured and be in the final of Wimbledon, I would take it (smiling).”

The WTA No.6 has reached three of the last five Grand Slam finals, and will play 2019 Roland Garros finalist Marketa Vondrousova this afternoon.

Semi-final smiles ?@VondrousovaM ? @Ons_Jabeur #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/U6i2MMZNmc

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2023

Jabeur and Vondrousova are good friends, but it is in-fact the WTA No.42 who has got the better of their matches this year.

The Tunisian is hoping to change that, “I’m going for my revenge. I didn’t win against her this year. She has good hands. She plays very good.

“Honestly, I will try to focus on myself a lot. I’m not sure how she’s going to play second Grand Slam final, I believe. We both hungry to win. Whoever deserve it more will win.”

Ons Jabeur vs Marketa Vondrousova head-to-head

Jabeur spoke about getting revenge over her Czech opponent and while she has lost their last two meetings, did get the upper hand in their only previous grass court encounter:

Jabeur vs Vondrousova: 3-3