Jabeur herself has actually welcomed the expectations that come with her position as Africa’s top tennis player.
“Pressure is a privilege so I try to use that to be positive – I always wanted to be at this level, I always want to play like this,” she told BBC World Service Sport after her 6-1 6-3 victory over Bjorklund.
“Hopefully I am just gonna handle the pressure much better by getting used to it. I love the attention as well – my family tells me that it’s a good thing.
“[I’m] very happy with the with the way I was playing lately and proud with the personality that I’ve developed.
“The person that I am on the court and outside the court is really important for me, and I feel like I’m going in the right way. Now the next goal would be number one.”
Black has won five Wimbledon titles across women’s and mixed doubles and is back at the tournament this year as a coach, and will also take part in the invitational doubles.
She says that Jabeur’s achievement is “absolutely incredible” for the sport in Africa.
“Just saying that she is ‘world number two’ gives me goosebumps,” the 43-year-old added.
“I’m actually not surprised that she is where she is because she’s an incredible talent, she’s worked super hard and has got such a great attitude.
“She can adapt so well to the grass, to the clay and hard courts. She is a unique player, she’s got beautiful touch and feel and just knows her way around the court.
“I just hope everyone gets behind her – which I know they already are. But it is such an inspiration for the kids back home and she really is flying the flag for Africa.”
