New world No. 2 Ons Jabeur says playing doubles with Serena Williams gave her “added confidence” before Wimbledon and she is now determined to win her maiden Grand Slam title at The Championships. Last week, Jabeur and Williams debuted as a pair in Eastbourne.
Jabeur and Williams won their opening two matches in Eastbourne, before the Tunisian pulled out of their semifinal match with an injury. “Playing with Serena Williams in the doubles at Eastbourne last week was an unbelievable experience and one which gives me added confidence as I try my best to win my first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon,” Jabeur wrote in her column for the BBC.
“If she sees me as a great player and looks at me in that way then I can see myself that way, too. I always had the dream of practising or playing against Serena but I never imagined the fact I could play doubles with her and be on the same side of the court.”
Jabeur: Observing Williams from close was really great
While on the court with Williams, Jabeur was able to see how one of tje greatest champions in tennis reacts in certain moments and situations. Jabeur hopes the new things she has learned will help her make that breakthrough at the Grand Slam for which she is hoping for.
“I could not imagine being able to see first-hand how a legend – one of the GOATs (greatest of all time players) – reacts on court and talks to herself,” Jabeur added. “I saw a lot of important details like when she is going to serve, chooses a spot and then goes and aces.
In one service game at Eastbourne, we were three break points down and she served three aces in a row. That shows the difference between her and other players – her mentality is so strong.”
