Despite qualifying for the last 8 of the US Open, Ons Jabeur is not at her best. The Tunisian has been ill since arriving in New York.
Ons Jabeur is hanging in there. Ill since her arrival in New York, the Tunisian is determined to go all the way at the US Open. On Saturday, September 2, she booked her place in the last 16 against Czech Marie Bouzkova in three sets (5-7, 7-6, 6-3). A difficult match for the world n°5. She won in three sets, including a tie-break in the second set. Jabeur will have played three tie-breaks in this tournament.
Against Bouzkova, the world No. 5 took all the risks, hitting 56 winners to 63 unforced errors against an opponent weakened by injury. In a press conference, the Tunisian reflected on this particular match against an injured Bouzkova. "I asked her if she was really injured, because she's a great fighter. I knew it before the match, so I wished her a speedy recovery. She confirmed that yes, she had something. It's a tough sport, you must never give up, and I respect her a lot for that," said the 29-year-old.
Ons Jabeur adds. "I think we both fought well tonight, and I hope to continue to carry this warrior symbol with me to the end of the tournament.It's never easy to deal with someone who's hurt, or to know they're hurt. I tried to observe her a lot, to see what was wrong. I thought maybe I should make her run with the forehand... that's when it really bothered her. I must admit that I was much more focused on her than on myself, I even forgot that I wasn't feeling very well. I'm glad I overcame it, it's never easy to play against someone with an injury, it can get into your head".
"I can go all the way to the final
Despite her physical state, Ons Jabeur believes she is in a position to contest a second consecutive US Open final."I don't think there's an easy match.I'm doing well, I'm testing myself, I like to fight and I'm confident in my body. I know I can get to the final by playing three sets a round, no problem. We'll see what happens. It's been a fun tournament, even if it's not fun to play a tournament when you're ill. I feel like this tournament is testing me, showing me that I'm strong, that I can go far and maybe get some good results here".The next test for Africa's top player will be against China's Zheng Qinwen, seeded no. 31.
