Ons Jabeur says that many players would love to have the career she has but admitted that being Major-less is still a big void in her career and she still dreams to win a Grand Slam.
The Tunisian has reached three Grand Slam singles finals in her promising career but has yet to lift any of the big trophies. Jabeur feels that her ability to back herself up from disappointments is her strength.
“I come from a very small country, a continent that dreams of seeing someone win a Grand Slam,” Jabeur told WTATennis.com.
“I feel it’s great what I achieved. Obviously, it becomes more and more personal for me because it’s always tough to arrive to the final and not win it. But I’m going to keep chasing my dream and what I’ve learned is that I shouldn’t be afraid of failing because that’s where I’m really courageous.
“If I arrive again to the final and I fail again and I stand up again and go back again to another final, I see that as being a strong woman more than anything else.”
Jabeur’s clay swing was not impressive but believes her French Open helped her in getting some unique insights she needed to improve.
“I always say the more matches I play on clay, the more physically better [I am] and easier the grass season is for me,” said Jabeur, “because the toughest surface to play on in tennis is clay because you have to be physically ready.
“But definitely, [Roland Garros] gave me a lot of confidence and made me understand a lot of things. I was blaming myself a lot at the beginning of the season, knowing that I was really injured. I didn’t know how much the injury affected my physical but also my mind. Obviously, if you cannot step on your foot you’re not going to rip forehands.”
Jabeur believes her rematch with Gauff on grass would be different and she has the tools to take down American star.
“I think she likes slower surfaces,” Jabeur said. “She likes to have her time. But a champion is always a champion. I’m sure she’ll play unbelievable on grass.
“What I like more on grass is I can use my magic a little bit, the touch, the slices. I feel I can bother a little bit Coco with that.”
The North African believes that staying positive in face of disappointing results remains a key to Grand Slam success.
“Learning from experience, you can play very bad and then make the final at Wimbledon like what happened last year,” Jabeur said.
“And I can play really good and win the tournament and still make the final as well (as in 2022).
“I think the most important thing is to keep really positive every match and to take any positive thing I did this week or last week. It’s important for me that I enjoy playing on grass.”