Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur has reiterated her concerns that the current Tour structure could put players in danger after moving into the third round at Wimbledon.
The world No.10 moved into the last 32 after defeating Robin Montgomery 6-1, 7-5, on Thursday at The All England Club. Jabeur has now claimed 19 wins at Wimbledon since her debut in 2017, which is more than any other female player during this period. She is yet to drop a set in this year’s draw.
This week marks Jabeur’s 13th tournament of the season which is less than some of her peers. She missed some events during the Middle East swing due to a long-term knee issue that she continues to manage. An issue she links to the current demands placed on players.
“The scheduling and the amount of tournaments that they (the WTA) are adding right now doesn’t really help. Not just me, but any other player,” she said.
“I think we’ll see the results in a couple of years when you see like a lot of players are injured. It’s just Wimbledon right now.
“I’m really curious how players will play the Olympics and the hard court season. Honestly, it’s going to be very tough.”
Both Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka have withdrawn from Wimbledon this year due to shoulder injuries. Something that is likely linked to the number of matches they play.
The most simple thing for players to do to protect their health is to streamline their schedule. However, that it isn’t always that easy with mandatory tournaments and rankings points up for grabs. A reason why Jabeur says she no longer looks at the standings.
“I stopped looking a lot at the rankings because I enter everywhere.” She said.
“When I was outside of the top hundred or close to the top hundred, I was stressing a lot about the ranking. It did not do me any good. I was counting every point. If I win this, if I win that…
“At the end of the day, it is in my control to go and play the match full, do whatever you want, not look who is behind you, what they going to do. It was very stressful. I will not do that again.”
The Tunisian admits she does feel restricted by the WTA rules concerning mandatory tournaments. Although she concedes that playing those events is crucial in her bid to qualify for the WTA Finals, which will be held in Saudi Arabia for the first time this year.
“I’m going with the flow and seeing (what happens), especially with my knee. For the first time, I’m trying to be cautious about the scheduling. Hopefully, I can make better decisions in the future.” She concludes.
