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World number three tennis player, Ons Jabeur has got her name etched into the history books by becoming the first Arab, first African, and first Tunisian woman to reach the Grand Slam final. She achieved this unique feat in the ongoing Wimbledon 2022 semi-final game against Tatjana Maria with a score line of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
After the culmination of the match, Ons Jabeur has hoped that she can continue the same form in the finals as well. The 27-year-old added that she wanted to share this moment with her inspiration, Maria.
"I don't know what to say. It's a dream come true after years of work and sacrifice. I'll continue for one more match now. It was difficult running for Maria's balls! She has to make me a BBQ to make up for all the running.
"I wanted to share the moment with her [Maria] because she's such an inspiration for so many players, coming back after having two babies. I don't know how she did it.
The 27-year-old has tasted success in 22 of her last 24 games and has presented herself with a lifetime opportunity to win her first coveted Trophy. Before Ons Jabeur, Selima Sfar was the only Tunisian player to break into the Top 100 of the WTA rankings, with the highest position of 75 achieved in July 2001.
Ons Jabeur reached her first WTA finals at the 2018 Kremlin Cup. Then, the talented player impressed with her performance to cement a place in the Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2020 Australian Open. She continued her momentum to win a WTA title at Birmingham 2021, which helped her to break into the top 10 positions in the WTA rankings.
Ons Jabeur was forced to pull out of the Australian Open due to a back injury. However, she has a terrific record of 36-9 in 2022, wherein she has reached finals in five of her last seven events.
She will face the winner of the semi-finals between Simona Halep and Elena Rybakina.