New York – Ons Jabeur fought back tears after losing a second consecutive Grand Slam final to Iga Swiatek on Saturday, but the Tunisian vowed to return with a vengeance.
The 28-year-old Tunisian, who lost her first Grand Slam championship match in July at Wimbledon, was defeated by world number one Swiatek at Flushing Meadows, 6-2, 7-6(5).
She told reporters that not even losing on the highest stage of her sport could keep her down for long.
“I fought to earn my first WTA championship. It required my time. Therefore, I feel this will take time “Jabeur, who will restore the number two rating in the world after the tournament concludes, stated that he will reclaim the position. “The most important thing is to accept it and learn from my loss in the finals,”
She won her maiden Tour-level victory in Birmingham, England, a year ago, nine years after making her WTA main draw debut in New York, where she was a fan favorite for her imaginative play and vivacious demeanor.
This year, she won in Madrid and Berlin before Elena Rybakina battled back from a set down to deny her the Wimbledon championship.
Jabeur’s run through the Flushing Meadows draw saw her defeat a red-hot Caroline Garcia in the semi-finals, but a shaky start against Swiatek proved to be her undoing.
“Wimbledon was difficult. This one will be difficult “She told the press.
“I am not someone who will give up. I am confident that I will be in the final again.”
Jabeur, the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final and the first African woman to reach the U.S. Open championship match, told the future generation of ladies who aspire to follow in her footsteps, “Never give up.”
“That was my goal throughout my entire career. I experienced ups and downs. Before, I dealt with injuries and court familiarization. It then lost in the quarterfinals “She stated,
“Then, they began to lose finals. Then, acquiring titles.”
Reuters