Ons Jabeur says she would be great at trash-talking opponents but also jokingly noted she is the type of person that would later apologize for all the trash talk. After winning the Miami doubles title, Cori Gauff and Jessica Pegula said allowing trash talk in tennis would probably make the game more interesting and bring in new fans.
“I’m there. I’m the best in this, you know. But then after, I apologize & hug the other person. I cannot last for long,” Jabeur said on Tennis Channel, per The Tennis Letter.
Ons Jabeur on trash talk in tennis: “I’m there.
I’m the best in this, you know. But then after, I apologize & hug the other person. I cannot last for long”. ð pic.twitter.com/WAOuE3eYyD — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 7, 2023
Jabeur: We need to restore the humanity on the Tour
Jabeur is one of the most likable players on the Tour as many have nothing but good to say of the Tunisian.
When asked why players often praise her, Jabeur joked it was because she know what would happen if someone spoke negatively of her. “I threaten them. If you don’t say good things about me, you know what I’m going to do,” Jabeur said.
Meanwhile, Jabeur is very happy for Aryna Sabalenka‘s Australian Open success. In recent weeks, Belarusian tennis star Sabalenka has received some very harsh and negative comments. Also in recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk regarding the rumored tension between Ukrainian and Russian/Belarusian players.
Personally, Jabeur seems to think that the negative comments directed at Sabalenka are unfair. “I was very happy for Aryna (Sabalenka) when she won the Australian Open. I know how much she struggled. We know what is happening inside the locker rooms and some people don’t know and are harsh with the comments.
I have huge respect for Aryna (Sabalenka) and for Paula (Badosa). Such a difficult sport and every person has a personal story. So I hope people don’t judge players too quickly. We try to bring humanity into the tour. Sometimes players forget it’s just a tennis match,” Jabeur said.
