Today, Jabeur has moved on to such effect that on the eve of Wimbledon, where ranking points were annulled this year on account of the decision to bar the Russians and Belarusians, she made it to number two in the world.
This was the highest ranking ever achieved by an African and Arab, whether male or female.
During Wimbledon itself, Tunisia went tennis mad, says local reporter Souhail Khmira.
“People tuned in to watch Ons on television. She was all over social media, dominated news bulletins and was the highlight of those weeks,” Khmira told BBC Sport Africa.
“People are now far more interested in tennis, which was never really the case. Talking about tie-breaks and holding serve is a language Tunisians are not used to but they are learning. Jabeur was a sensation during Wimbledon.”
During the course of her rise, she has greatly boosted the popularity of the sport in her homeland – not just in terms of participants, but also their sex – with many more girls and women playing than ever before. , external
“We cannot thank her enough,” TTF president Salma Mouelhi Guizani told the BBC.
“She (has) brought joy and happiness into every Tunisian household. She waved the Tunisian flag and raised us high.
“I was in London and saw the love of everyone who was rooting for Ons. When you see everyone from all over the world clapping for her, this is the best image for Tunisia.
“We’re now on our feet with strong motivation thanks to Ons’ results. The whole nation is proud. We are very grateful as a federation.”
With President Saied wishing her every success for the future – one which resumes next week in New York as she bids for a maiden Grand Slam title – it appears Jabeur can only further boost the remarkable impact she is having on Arab and African tennis.
