Tennis News: The Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose this week could be a test in itself for Tunisian and third seed Ons Jabeur.
Stepping onto the court in America, the 2022 Madrid Open champions are back in action for the first time since being runners-up at Wimbledon in 2022 (losing to Elena Rybakina). Keen to build on his momentum ahead of the US Open, he’s interested to see how he plays on his own. That’s why he decided to play the tournament in San Jose without his coaching staff. He will join them in Canada next week.
“It’s an individual sport and at the end of the day, I’m alone on the pitch and I’m with my thoughts. So, I thought it would be a valuable experience for me to try,” admitted Jabeur.
Playing without the support of his team, the world number 5 launched the Silicon Valley Classic solidly after toppling the host, Madison Keys 7-5, 6-1. Using drop shots to cause lethal effect, the Tunisian hit seven game winners with 12 unforced errors.
“Sometimes I like to challenge myself and do things like that alone. For me, the main thing is to better manage my emotions on the pitch,” Jabeur continued.
The Wimbledon 2022 runner-up is still in touch with his team and spoke with his coach, Issam Jellali ahead of his match against Keys. This week, he is aiming for his fourth career title and his first outside of Europe. He has yet to win a title in a hard-court tournament.
During his last game, several Tunisian flags were visible in the audience. The world number 5 has become a pioneer of Tunisian tennis after taking several steps. On several occasions, he hopes to inspire others.
“I don’t just play for myself, I play for my country and everywhere I go I find Tunisians, Jabeur said. It makes me feel like I’m supported all the time. Everyone tries to carry the flag.” every time my matches are played, so they show me that there are Tunisians in the stadium.”
Awaiting Jabeur in the Silicon Valley Classic quarterfinals, ninth seed Veronika Kudermetova or Keys compatriot Claire Liu
Tags: Tennis, Silicon Valley Classic, Ounces of Jabeur, Madison Keys
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/tenis/turun-di-san-jose-ons-jabeur-beraksi-without-didampingi-tim-pelihara
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