Jabeur remains Tunisia’s pride with its Wimbledon challenge

Ons Jabeur advanced to her first Grand Slam final by beating Tatjana Maria 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 on Centre Court at Wimbledon in a victory that is also a first for Arab and African women.

Kazakh Elena Rybakina, who defeated Tunisian Ons Jabeur 2-1 in the women’s singles final of Wimbledon, the third grand slam tennis tournament of the season, became the champion.

Jabeur became the world’s number two player and subsequently made history as the first African or Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final.

The 27-year-old tennis player said she would learn from the experience and look forward to playing in another final.

“I try to inspire as many generations as I can,”  said.

On Friday, the country’s Sports Minister Kamel Deguiche said celebrations were planned for after Wimbledon and that he wanted to officially award Jabeur the title of “Minister of Happiness”, adding: “It’s the state’s duty to her.”