Ex-finalist Jabeur looks for picture-perfect performance

Ons Jabeur is ready to face facts at Wimbledon after admitting on Saturday that her runner-up finish can occasionally trigger harsh memories of what might have been on court a year ago against Elena Rybakina.

“Memories (are) coming back right now,” she said. “People mentioning I’m the finalist of last year.”

But the Tunisian added lightheartedly: 

“It’s not great going into the locker room and seeing Elena’s picture – maybe I’ll try to take it down.”

Jabeur comes to the major with two losses from three matches on grass last month.

But she won’t be letting a so-so grass record dilute her enthusiasm.

“It’s very nice having the attention… you did a Grand Slam final. It’s not a bad thing. It’s something that’s great.

“Maybe sometimes I didn’t see it that way because obviously I wanted to go for the title.

“But again, a final is a great final, it’s a Grand Slam final.

Jabeur added: “I just want to use that experience, use the pressure that I felt last year, to maybe do better this year.

“But my first goal here is to really enjoy playing on grass, maybe recreate greater memories like last year.”

Main photo:- Ons Jabeur lost Wimbledon 2022 Final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd