Ons Jabeur is ready to face facts at Wimbledon after admitting on Saturday that her runner-up finish can occasionally trigger harsh memories of what might have been on court a year ago against Elena Rybakina.
“Memories (are) coming back right now,” she said. “People mentioning I’m the finalist of last year.”
But the Tunisian added lightheartedly:
“It’s not great going into the locker room and seeing Elena’s picture – maybe I’ll try to take it down.”
Jabeur comes to the major with two losses from three matches on grass last month.
But she won’t be letting a so-so grass record dilute her enthusiasm.
“It’s very nice having the attention… you did a Grand Slam final. It’s not a bad thing. It’s something that’s great.
“Maybe sometimes I didn’t see it that way because obviously I wanted to go for the title.
“But again, a final is a great final, it’s a Grand Slam final.
Jabeur added: “I just want to use that experience, use the pressure that I felt last year, to maybe do better this year.
“But my first goal here is to really enjoy playing on grass, maybe recreate greater memories like last year.”
Main photo:- Ons Jabeur lost Wimbledon 2022 Final by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd