Madrid Open: Ons Jabeur Vows to Take Up the ‘First Step’ for Arab Tennis’ Growth in Her Attempt to Leave a Trailblazing Impact

This year’s Madrid Open has seen a surge of talent from the Arab world. Ons Jabeur (Tunisia) and Mayar Sherif (Egypt) are competing in the women’s main draw, while Jordanian youngster Abdullah Shelbayh is joined by Moroccan teenager Reda Bennani and Lebanese-German player Benjamin Hassan in the men’s qualifiers. While Stefanos Tsitsipas most recently predicted a bright future for Jordanian talent Abdullah Shelbayh, Ons Jabeur has extended her support to Arab players, working their way up to the ATP and WTA circuits.

Although Jabeur’s journey into the tennis arena has not been that easy, she is ready to make it comfortable for her fellow Arab players. Most recently, Abdullah Shelbayh as spotted during his practice session with Stafanos Tsitsipas at the Madrid Open at Caja Magica. After the 20-year-old talent’s impressive performance at the Madrid Open against a Greek star this week, she voiced her excitement about the rising number of Arab players on the professional tennis circuits. “I spoke to him a little bit and told him to continue because it’s nice to see a younger player from the Arab world is coming up,” she stated.

Along with that, she also highlighted how, for her, it’s important to be there whenever Shelbayh or other Arab talents need her. While the former Wimbledon finalist had no one to guide her, during her initial professional day, she is ready to be the one. Jabeur added, “And for me, it is really important. I always want to do the first step and tell them if they want to talk or need anything, I’m always here for them.”

Raising the profile of tennis across the African continent, the tennis sensation from Tunisia made history in 2022 when she became the first African and Arab woman to win a WTA 1000 event title. Her achievements didn’t stop there; she created waves by making it to the championship rounds of the US Open and Wimbledon, which were important turning points in her career.

She faced several challenges and discrimination during her career, especially directed towards Arab and African women. Jabeur faced discrimination even after her historic accomplishments: the first Arab woman to go to a Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2020 Australian Open. In an interview with The Guardian a year ago, she said, “I struggled financially, but maybe it’s a good thing. It gave me strength to work harder. I’m very glad that I’m starting something and hopefully this will inspire other women in my region.”

Along with the former number two tennis player, Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Greek player, has also predicted a bright future for the youthful Jordanian talent.

Tsitsipas follows Ons Jabeur’s chores, praising Shelbayh

Tsitsipas, who is impressed with what he has seen from the budding talent throughout their practice sessions, has expressed his support of Shelbayh’s performance. The Greek player stated, “I really believe he’s a top-100 player in the future, and I’m pretty convinced he can be top 50, as well.”

The World No. 7 declares the gap between the top 100 and top 50 is a real proving ground for players with top aspirations. And he would love to see Abdullah succeed and make that leap. “I would love to see him succeed and be good, because I really support small countries like this that make it big in tennis. I have come from one myself.”

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to see him in the top 50 pretty soon,” claimed Stefanos of the 20-year-old.