After Ons Jabeur finished runner-up at Wimbledon for the second year in a row, Andy Roddick swiftly provided her with some words of encouragement for the future.
The world No.5 looked to be on the verge of claiming her maiden Grand Slam title after posting impressive wins over Petra Kvitova, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. In the final, she took on Marketa Vondrousova who at the time was unseeded in the draw, on the comeback from injury and had only played in a major final once before. Jabeur struggled to find consistency in her tennis against the Czech and ended up losing in straight sets. Triggering flashbacks to 2022 when she lost to Elena Rybakina in the title match who at the time was also ranked lower than her.
Inevitably the loss was gutting for Jabeur who began to cry during the trophy presentation. One of those who understands that feeling is Roddick who is a three-time runner-up at Wimbledon after losing all of his finals to Roger Federer.
“I was sad for Ons after Wimbledon,” Roddick wrote in his new blog for only gambling company Betway.
“On top of being a great player and a great person, her story is incredible. Coming from Tunisia, trailblazing for that part of the world, being so dynamic and comfortable in that role – she has a lot to be proud of.
“I actually sent her a message after the final and said, “Listen, if you ever want to chat, I’ve been where you are right now. But I have more faith in you winning Wimbledon than I ever had in myself winning Wimbledon.”
Jabeur, who has won four WTA titles so far in her career, is not playing at this week’s Canadian Open due to a knee injury. So far this season she has won 22 out of 32 Tour matches played and earned more than $2.3M in prize money.
“I just hope she doesn’t feel the need to rush back. Take a breath, take a minute, make sure you prepare, keep your fitness going. There are still a few weeks leading up to the US Open.” Roddick commented.
“She’s someone I really hope wins a Grand Slam title at some point.”
Besides his high praise for the Tunisian, Roddick has also called for the use of new technology to be introduced into tennis to minimize mistakes occurring. The ATP announced earlier this year that Electronic Line Calling Live (ELC Live) will be implemented across the entire Tour from 2025. Meanwhile, this year’s US Open will be using video assistance for referees so that can check issues such as double bounces on the court. The system will be set up for five out of the 17 courts used at the tournament.
Earlier this year there were fresh calls for electronic line calling to be implemented at all events during Wimbledon after some mistakes were made by officials. The All England Club still uses lines judges for calls, as well as hawk-eye. One notable incident occurred during Andy Murray’s clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas. At 4-4 in the fourth set, the Brit had a 30-15 lead against his opponent’s serve before a return from him was called out which Murray didn’t challenge. However, a video replay showed it was in.
“I never used to feel strongly about introducing new technology into tennis, but there were too many obvious mistakes made at Wimbledon. It shouldn’t be on the player to have to do the umpire’s job while also trying to navigate a match. It’s not something you should have to worry about.” Said Roddick.
“In Andy Murray’s match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, had he challenged one on a break point, it could have completely changed the dynamic of the contest. That’s not something he should be thinking about when getting ready to return serve.’
“I know a lot of people are like, “It’s tradition. That’s the way it’s always been.” Well, we used to rent video tapes from Blockbuster. Things move on, we have better technology now. I just don’t feel like anything’s missed when we get the calls correct every time.”
Roddick was recently appointed as a global ambassador for Betway.
