Madrid Open: Ons Jabeur Vows to Take Up the ‘First Step’ for Arab Tennis’ Growth in Her Attempt to Leave a Trailblazing Impact

Ons Jabeur faced many obstacles in representing African and Arab tennis players. But now that she has found her place in the arena, she is ready to go forward and help other Arabs coming into the game. Now that Jordanian up-and-comer Abdullah Shelbayh has taken center stage, with her amazing tennis skills, the 29-year-old WTA star is ready to be his go-to person.

Jabeur’s journey into the tennis arena has not been that easy, but she is ready to make it comfortable for her fellow Arab players. After the 20-year-old talent’s impressive performance at the Madrid Open, she voiced her excitement about the rising number of Arab players on the professional tennis circuits. She stated, “I spoke to him a little bit and told him to continue because it’s nice to see a younger player from the Arab world is coming up.”

Along with that, she also highlighted how, for her, it’s important to be there whenever Shelbayh needs him. While the former Wimbledon finalist had no one to guide her, during her initial professional day, she is ready to be the one. Jabeur added, “And for me, it is really important. I always want to do the first step and tell them if they want to talk or need anything, I’m always here for them.”

On the other hand, the tennis sensation from Tunisia made history in 2022 when she became the first African and Arab woman to win a WTA 1000 event title. Her achievements didn’t stop there; she created waves by making it to the championship rounds of the US Open and Wimbledon, which were important turning points in her career.

She faced several challenges and discrimination during her career, especially directed towards Arab and African women. Jabeur faced discrimination even after her historic accomplishments, like as the first Arab woman to go to a Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2020 Australian Open. In an interview with The Guardian a year ago, she said, “I struggled financially, but maybe it’s a good thing. It gave me strength to work harder. I’m very glad that I’m starting something and hopefully this will inspire other women in my region.”

Not just the former number two tennis player in the world has expressed regard for Abdullah Shelbayh, the 20-year-old rising tennis star, during discussions about him. Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Greek player, has also added his appreciation, predicting a bright future for the youthful Jordanian talent.

Tsitsipas follows Ons Jabeur’s chores, praising Shelbayh

Tsitsipas, who is impressed with what he has seen from the budding talent throughout their practice sessions, has expressed his support of Shelbayh’s performance. The Greek player stated, “I really believe he’s a top-100 player in the future, and I’m pretty convinced he can be top 50, as well.”

He added, “I would love to see him succeed and be good, because I really support small countries like this that make it big in tennis. I have come from one myself.” With Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Egyptian Mayar Sherif competing on the WTA side, this week’s Madrid Open has an Arab flair. Furthermore, three new players have joined the mix for the men’s qualifying tournament: Moroccan youth Reda Bennani, Lebanese-German player Benjamin Hassan, and Jordanian Abdullah Shelbayh.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Jabeur supporting the upcoming Arab players? Do let us know in the comment section below.