Ons Jabeur knows what it is like to come within touching distance of claiming a Grand Slam trophy and she aims to use this experience to her advantage at the French Open.
The 29-year-old has twice settled for runner-up at Wimbledon where she was the higher-ranked player in both of those finals, as well as reaching the last eight in Paris 12 months ago. It is a frustrating situation for Jabeur who is currently ranked ninth in the world and has five WTA trophies to her name.
She began her latest campaign at the French Open on Monday with a straightforward 6-3, 6-2, win over Sachia Vickery who she frustrated with the repeated use of drop shots. Jabeur has now won 33 matches on clay over the past three years which is the third-highest on the WTA Tour after Iga Swiatek (52) and Aryna Sabalenka (34).
“I aim for a deep run. I did a wonderful preparation. I practised a lot, and I never dropped a set during practice sessions.” She told reporters when asked about her goals.
“I hope that I will see that again on the major courts, such as Philippe Chatrier, and I hope to get the upper hand every time. But I will see it point after point, ball after ball, game after game, and we’ll see.
“After three Grand Slam finals and a few quarterfinals, I think I can go up till the end. It’s like a marathon.”
The confident outlook comes after what has been a difficult start to 2024 for Jabeur. She only managed to win three out of her first 12 matches played this season and during that period was also hampered by a flare-up of a knee injury. However, more recently she reached the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open leading up to Paris.
“I know I can play amazing on clay,” she stated.
“I feel mentally, physically, I’m ready to be until the end (of the tournament). There are just some key moments that I need to focus on.
“I feel like I’m improving a lot in that area and just taking it one step at a time. If I make it to the quarterfinals, I want to push to win three more matches. That’s how it works. Sometimes a bit of luck from here, bit of luck from there, and it could help you be in the final.”
Jabeur will play either Camila Osorio or Anhelina Kalinina in her next match.
