Tunisian tennis sensation Ons Jabeur has enlisted the help of former ATP player Fernando Verdasco during her campaign at the Madrid Open this year. With her coach Issam Jellali absent from the Spanish capital, Jabeur turned to Verdasco, a longtime friend and Madrid native, for support and guidance.
While Jellali remains Jabeur’s coach and will continue to guide her in the coming months, Verdasco’s familiarity with Madrid and its tennis facilities proved invaluable during her time without a coach. Speaking about their collaboration, Jabeur expressed gratitude for Verdasco’s assistance, noting his deep understanding of the ATP and WTA 1000 event.
“I’m trying to get the Spanish mentality on the clay, apparently it’s not that bad to play with that. We’re close friends and he just had his third baby, so we’re having the energy of a new baby in the team.”
Jabeur, who started her Madrid Open campaign with a win, praised Verdasco not only for his tennis prowess but also for his infectious energy and positive attitude. She expressed hope for more successful matches together during their time at the tournament.
“It’s nice to have him, I’ve always been a fan of him as a player, but also as a person because he has such an amazing energy. He’s helping me this week, so hopefully we can have more matches together.”
Returning to Madrid for the first time since her triumphant victory in 2022, Jabeur couldn’t defend her title last year due to injury. However, she expressed joy at being back in the city, which holds a special place in her heart.
“Obviously I love Madrid so much, my favourite football team is from here so it’s always nice to come back and feel the great energy. This is a city I always tell my husband I would like to live in.”
As Jabeur continues her quest for success at the Madrid Open, her partnership with Verdasco adds an intriguing dynamic to her campaign, showcasing the camaraderie and mutual support within the tennis community.
Jabeur in Madrid, ranking, and results in 2024
LLWWLWWLWW Currently the world no.9, Jabeur has managed to achieve an overall 4-7 record in 2024. Ons is now having a run in Madrid where she bested the world no.68 Anna Schmiedlova 6-4 5-7 6-3.
Ons Jabeur will square off with the world no.35 Leylah Fernandez in the 3rd round on Saturday at 3:30 pm on ARANTXA SANCHEZ STADIUM. Their current record is 2-0 for Jabeur.
Jabeur won 5 titles in her career: 1 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Ons Jabeur |
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