One of the players who has not missed the Media Day of Roland Garros es Our Jabeur. And it is that Jabeur has been dealing with injuries recently and still needs to finish reconnecting with the circuit. Feeling better seismically, this is the opportunity to sign good results and leave behind the doubts in a tournament where he lost in the first round last year. The Tunisian was chatting with the media about various topics before jumping on the court: her physical condition, support for African tennis, the union between players or what is most important to her at the moment.
“I am definitely 100%. I have been training with many players and moving normally. But you always have in mind ‘what happens if something happens?’ But I try not to focus on it. I’m found my rhythm. I feel like the way I move on the court is much better.”
On his support for African tennis
“I know how difficult it is to come from certain countries where you don’t have the resources to do it. Actually my previous favorite tournament was the African Championship. I know that we have many talents and many fighters. I have seen many amazing young players from Africa. I know it’s a different path and it’s hard. I am personally trying to change that by creating more opportunities. Maybe one day when I have my own academy I want to invite all the talented African players to train, give them a chance and share my experience. One of my dreams is also to see many more African players on the tour”.
On his meeting with Badosa and Djokovic, members of the PTPA
“We are trying to unite the players and we were trying to have our own association to be heard. There’s a lot going on with the two-week format, with the prize money, with a lot going on that I think players aren’t getting what they really deserve. I feel like it’s time for a lot of players to educate themselves in a lot of ways because I feel like there’s a lot that they don’t know about. It’s a great thing, we talk about a lot of other things, so I hope we can move forward. I can’t say much about what’s going on, but for me the goal is to bring the players together, at least once.”
On winning a Grand Slam and falling just short of Wimbledon
“It’s not that I dream about it every day, but I just believe in manifesting things. I’m not exaggerating, but I think it’s there and I’m going to get it one day. It wasn’t meant to be last year. But yeah, I did my best to want it, not overdo it, just want it and see what’s going to happen. We could blame Elena for last year, but I think if it’s meant to be, it will come. If not, I’ll have a daughter and I’ll make her win Wimbledon, or my niece, she’s ready”.
On what Paris represents and the change in his career in 2022
“I love Paris and being here. I have wonderful memories, especially after winning Roland Garros Junior. Tunisia is very close to Paris, so there are many Tunisians who live in Paris or come here to support me. 2022 has been a game changer for me and I feel like I have more fans cheering me on. I have more support from Tunisia and people love tennis more than before. Maybe they started watching more tennis than soccer, which is great for me. Things have changed and people are rooting for me a lot more than they used to.”
On the progress of his injury and what he expects from Roland Garros
“I no longer feel bad with this injury. My footwork is better and I found my rhythm on the court. I think I’m going in the right direction and I feel ready for this tournament. We’ll see what happens.
The first game will be difficult because my rival is on the rise right now. There is no easy first round. I’ll give my best. The most important thing for me is to be very healthy because lately it has been hard with all the injuries I have suffered. I’m going to try to play with the same mentality as in Charleston because I think it was the best tournament I’ve played this season. I will try to go day by day and enjoy”.
2023-05-26 21:33:56
#dream #African #players #tour
