Jabeur’s sole goal is to win.
Jabeur's sole goal is to win.
The Historic Heartbreak of Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur’s journey towards her dream of becoming the first Arab and African woman to win a Grand Slam title has been filled with heartbreak and near misses. With over 4.5 million viewers watching, Jabeur came agonizingly close to victory at Wimbledon in July 2023. However, the unseeded Czech player, Markéta Vondroušová, dashed her hopes of making history. It was a bitter moment for Jabeur, who had previously been runner-up at the 2022 Wimbledon and US Open Grand Slam finals. This time, her defeat was so emotional that it even moved Princess Catherine to offer her a comforting hug, breaking royal protocol.
We’ve all experienced the sting of failure, but most of us are fortunate enough not to endure it in front of the entire world. Jabeur’s defeat was witnessed by global news cameras, celebrities, and literal royalty. Yet, in the face of such intense pressure, she chose not to hide her tears. In a post-match interview, she joked about looking ugly in the photos, acknowledging the pain of this loss. It’s moments like these that make us realize how deeply human these athletes are, and it’s this vulnerability that truly connects us.
Jabeur’s loss struck a chord globally because of her incredible record of victories. She has reached a career-high ranking of world number two and has made it to at least the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments. With four singles titles to her name and even being selected as Serena Williams’ doubles partner, Jabeur’s talent is undeniable. Tennis is not just a sport for her; it’s her way of expressing herself as an artist on the court, sharing her unique story in her own language.
During our conversation, Jabeur appeared on Zoom, slightly out of breath from her intense training routine. She remains committed to her goal of securing that elusive Grand Slam title. As a young Muslim girl growing up in Africa, Jabeur didn’t have many role models in front of her. Now, she has become an inspiration to the Arab world, proving that greatness can emerge from any corner of the globe. Jabeur emphasizes that talent and determination know no boundaries, and athletes from small countries can achieve greatness too.
Being an Arab woman on the global sports stage comes with its own challenges. Jabeur acknowledges that people often judge her based on her religion, imposing unfair expectations and stereotypes. However, she sees this as an opportunity to change perceptions and challenge biases. Jabeur believes that efforts to promote sports in the Middle East, despite their flaws, are steps towards positive change and empowering women in restrictive societies.
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Jabeur has faced setbacks not only on the court but also off the court. As she pursued sponsorships earlier in her career, many rejected her simply because she wasn’t from Europe. Some brands gave opportunities to lower-ranked players from more lucrative markets, dismissing her potential. However, she didn’t let these rejections define her, and now those same companies are eager to work with her. Jabeur recognizes the business aspect but believes that the human side matters too. She values honesty and authenticity, refusing to manipulate her narrative for anyone.
Jabeur’s impact extends beyond the court. Each shot she takes challenges biases about Muslim women in sports and asks the world to reconsider their deeply ingrained assumptions. She wants her audience and sponsors to experience the full range of emotions with her, to feel joy, excitement, sadness, and happiness. On the court, Jabeur feels empowered, unleashing her emotions with every swing of her racquet. Tennis gives her the freedom to defy limitations and rewrite the story of what is possible.
When Jabeur steps onto the court, she embodies the spirit of her younger self. Unfazed by gender distinctions, she was always ready to challenge anyone who underestimated her abilities. Tennis became her refuge, a place where she felt most free and true to herself. It was a domain where her potential knew no bounds, unburdened by societal limitations. Little Ons was a revolutionary, and with every match, Jabeur channels that fierce determination to make a difference.
Despite the hardships and obstacles she faces, Jabeur remains resilient and determined to make her mark. She is not just a remarkable athlete; she is a symbol of hope, courage, and breaking barriers. Ons Jabeur’s journey has become a source of inspiration, proving that dreams can come true, no matter where you come from or what challenges you may face. So, the next time you find yourself in a moment of defeat, remember Jabeur’s story, and let her resilience guide you towards your own victories.
Photoshoot Credits:
- Photographer: Brooke Shanesy
- Sittings Editor: Tchesmeni Leonard
- Hair: Lillian Kappa
- Makeup: Brit Cochran
- Stylist Assistant: Kinsley Slife
- Location: The Club at Harper’s Point
- Clothing: Talent’s own
About the Author:
Macaela MacKenzie is a former HotSamples editor who delves into the empowering world of women and power. She is the author of “Money, Power, Respect: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism.” To explore more of her work, visit macaelamackenzie.com.
