Tunisia hails ‘official supplier of happiness’ Jabeur
>> LONDON: Ons Jabeur’s landmark appearance in the last 16 of Wimbledon was hailed in her native Tunisia yesterday for helping lift the gloom of the country’s political and health crisis.
“Ons Jabeur has joined the greats,” read the headline in Arabic-language newspaper Al Chourouk, propelling tennis to the front pages, a rare occurrence in a country where football is king.
“It makes us dream! Fortunately we have it to brighten up our days,” said Sarra, a Tunisian internet user.
Another Twitter user Kamel said Jabeur’s achievement in becoming the first Tunisian woman to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon brought “the light that was so lacking in the dark sky of our country.”
“We have our official supplier of happiness, the only one who helps us to forget our gloomy news in Tunisia: bravo @Ons_Jabeur”, tweeted journalist Marwen Ben Mustapha.
On Twitter, “Onstoppable” trended. Tunisia is currently suffering a third wave of coronavirus likened to a “tsunami” by health officials.
In some areas of the country, hospitals are full to capacity.
Several regions are under lockdown while gatherings and parties have been banned in the capital Tunis and many large cities.
Jabeur, the world No.24, has reached the second week of Wimbledon with impressive wins including against fivetime champion Venus Williams and 2017 winner Garbine Muguruza.
Tomorrow, the 26-year-old takes on Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the 2020 French Open champion, for a place in the quarter-finals.
Jabeur is getting used to setting records.
In January, she became the first Arab player to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam in Australia.
On the eve of Wimbledon, she won the Birmingham grasscourt tournament to become the first Arab woman to win a WTA title.
Djokovic in last 16 for 13th time
Holder Novak Djokovic survived a rocky third set to defeat US qualifier Denis Kudla to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon for the 13th time yesterday.
The world No.1 triumphed over 114-ranked Kudla 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) to book a place in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the 55th time.
Djokovic, chasing a record-equalling 20th major, cruised through the first two sets but then had to fight back from 1-4 down and also 1/4 in the tie-break before he recorded a 75th win at the All England Club.
“It’s the trademark of every pro athlete that you never give up,” said Djokovic who is halfway to becoming only the third man in history — and first since Rod Laver in 1969 — to complete the calendar Slam.
“I am always trying to give my maximum out there especially when playing one of biggest tournaments.
“When I was a little kid, I dreamed of winning Wimbledon.”