ADELAIDE: World number two Ons Jabeur said on Saturday her pair of 2022 Grand Slam finals have only increased her desire to finally lift a major trophy.
The Tunisian top seed at the Adelaide International lost in three sets to Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon last July, then reached the US Open title match two months later, going down to Iga Swiatek.
She said she was keen to take her game to the highest podium, starting at the Australian Open in January.
“I was ready to win this year (2022), but it didn’t happen,” she said. “I’m doing everything possible to win a Grand Slam. I’m just going to go for it.
“This year, 2023, is about just being free and playing my game. I’m glad I got the experience from two finals in a Grand Slam.”
Jabeur, the first Arab woman in the WTA top 10, said she and her team labored during the off-season to fine-tune her powerful game.
“We’ve worked really hard to improve a lot of things, we are more aware of my game,” she said.
“I feel like this year is going to be very special for me. I gave it all, I put in the hard work during practices, and I’m hitting the ball well.”
And the 28-year-old said the infamous Australian summer weather would not be a problem for her.
“I’m from Tunisia and used to the hot weather — that’s a good thing,” she said.
“The most important thing is to be ready, to hydrate better and do (your) routine for hot weather.”
Jabeur will open in Adelaide after a first-round bye against the winner from Romania’s Sorana Cirstea and a qualifier.
Two-time finalist Ons Jabeur primed for Grand Slam breakthrough
https://arab.news/wsvxe
Two-time finalist Ons Jabeur primed for Grand Slam breakthrough
- Tunisian top seed at the Adelaide International to Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon
- World number two Ons Jabeur is the first Arab woman in the WTA top 10
Top Saudi teams set for ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 finals
- Leading esports teams feature in competition
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s leading esports teams will go head-to-head later this week as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2026 reaches its decisive stages, underlining the Kingdom’s growing ambition to develop local talent and strengthen its professional gaming ecosystem.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the tournament is designed to provide Saudi players with a clear pathway into elite-level competition while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for gaming and esports.
The online phase of the Overwatch 2 competition took place on Jan. 23-24, with the action set to culminate in a live LAN final on Jan. 30 at EFG Studios in Riyadh.
The competition features a total prize pool of $20,000, offering a significant incentive for emerging Saudi esports talent and reflecting the rising professionalism of the Kingdom’s national scene.
The lineup for the second stage has now been confirmed, blending established names with ambitious newcomers. Defending champions Twisted Minds return to defend their title against Kurohana, Newgens, and Lunar Crew, who secured their places through the qualification rounds. With only three teams progressing to the finals, the stakes remain high on the national stage.
Franck Guignery, senior vice president and managing director for the Middle East and Africa at EFG, said: “The ESL Saudi Challenge represents an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to the Saudi esports community.
“Through this competition we aim to empower Saudi players to refine their skills and demonstrate their potential within a high-stakes, professional environment, while contributing meaningfully to the development of a sustainable ecosystem that enables local talent to progress from national competition to global stages.”
The ESL Saudi Challenge aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, supporting talent development and the long-term growth of the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector.
Positioned as a Saudi-focused competitive platform, the tournament forms part of EFG’s long-term approach to reinforcing professional standards, enabling talent progression, and fostering community-driven competition.
Through initiatives such as the ESL Saudi Challenge, EFG aims to ensure that Saudi esports talent is equipped to compete successfully not only at home, but also on regional and international stages.
