The French Open 2023 is a tournament that Ons Jabeur would want to forget. The former world no.2 fought hard with an aim to win her maiden Grand Slam, but it was to no avail as Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil comprehensively defeated her in the quarter-finals itself. One of tennis’ most loved players, Jabeur, despite the heavy loss, has such heartwarming words for her triumphant opponent. She has admitted she cried with Haddad Maia when she won the past two matches. This reveals her big heart and her exemplary sportsmanship. Many would choose to be just bitter and complain about the loss, but not Jabeur. She chose to speak highly of Maia and wished her to win a Grand Slam one day.

A Grand Slam is no ordinary tournament for a tennis player. It is a pivotal tournament for any professional. A loss would mean that their morale gets crushed, at least for a while. It is not easy to be all smiles after such a loss. But if one has the good principles and character of Jabeur, then one would react only her way. This kind of sportsmanship can only be learned from very few people like Jabeur.

A Devastating loss for Ons Jabeur

Despite giving her best, it wasn’t enough for Jabeur to beat a resolute Haddad Maia. She was totally clueless, especially in the final set, and was blown away 6-1. The final scoreline read 6-3, 6-7, 1-6.

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After the loss, she said in the press conference, “I honestly love Maia a lot, & probably the last two matches that she won, I cried with her. She’s really amazing and deserves all the best. I hope she could win a Grand Slam one day.”

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist and the African No.1 Jabeur has been one of the most loved players among the fans over the years. They love her passion for the game, her demeanor, and the respect she shows for the sport. 2022 was a dream year for her, and many thought she would be able to replicate her form of last year. But that didn’t materialize. Even then, the way how she treats her opponents with respect and dignity has garnered her fans from all over the world. She has displayed exactly that against Haddad Maia.

A breath of fresh air to a controversy-rich tournament

This year’s French Open has had its own share of controversies. The ball girl controversy, the Holger Rune double bounce controversy, Taylor Fritz getting massively booed for defeating his French opponent, etc… But it is this respectful and noble behavior from players like Jabeur that gives a breath of fresh air.

While there are controversies erupting on one side, it is also good to know good things happening simultaneously. Jabeur would now want to lay her hands on the Wimbledon trophy. She told the reporters after the loss, “I’m hoping to go and get the title really in Wimbledon. I’m dreaming about it. It’s something that I always wanted”.  

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Jabeur is certainly among the favorites to win the Wimbledon as her game is well suited for the grass courts. We will have to wait and see how it all pans out.