WTA Abu Dhabi 2024: Blunder Ensues as Ons Jabeur Labeled Middle-Eastern

A massive blunder committed by the WTA! Tunisian tennis star, Ons Jabeur is called Middle Eastern while announcing the names of superstars featuring in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. Eyebrows are already being raised surrounding this massive mistake.

Ons Jabeur has been a staunch supporter of bringing tennis to the Middle East. Recently she even threw her support behind the potential staging of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. Jabeur urged the critics to be “more informed” on the nation’s interest in growing the sport in the Kingdom. But this recent development is now set to take over a new controversy surrounding the Tunisian tennis player.

WTA makes a big blunder surrounding Ons Jabeur’s nationality

The main event of the Abu Dhabi Open is set to kick start on 5 February at the Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre. But the stage is already set on fire a day earlier by a big mistake committed by the Women’s Tennis Association. They said, ‘Jabeur comes home‘ in a recent post while announcing the dates, draws, and prize money of the tournament.

Ons Jabeur had a disappointing run at this year’s Australian Open. She lost to the 16-year-old Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva in the second round of the first Grand Slam of the season. Jabeur kickstarts her campaign at the Abu Dhabi Open on Wednesday. Jabeur is going to play her first Middle East swing in 2 years. She has been in the ‘Middle East’ of all controversies over the last few months. Can she get back to her winning ways in the Arabian Peninsula?

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Jabeur gives back to the critics who are against Saudi Arabia for hosting the WTA Finals

Reema bint Bandar Al Saud recently took a jibe at Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert for their comments on the possible deal of WTA and the Kingdom. She stated their stances to be ‘outdated stereotypes‘ and added that it ‘fails to acknowledge‘ the progress of women in Saudi Arabia. 

Ons Jabeur looked very impressed with her response, “Princess Reema’s answer was unbelievable. I think classy, elegant, and every player was impressed with the way she addressed Martina’s and Chris’ letter. We’re obviously looking forward to go there. I’m personally looking forward to go there.” The WTA Finals has been in search of a stable home for quite some time now. Will it be the Middle East? Well, the Tunisian tennis star thinks it’s very important for the WTA Finals to go there and do campaigns to get more women involved in the game.

Jabeur had also recently signed a sponsorship deal with the Saudi Arabian PIF-owned fitness and wellness brand, Kayanee. It’ll be interesting to see which way this controversy heads on next.

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