Ons Jabeur meets Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor at Inter Miami CF training session

“I was bummed, because I wanted to come watch, but you guys are away!”

Ons Jabeur’s love for fútbol and skills on the field are well documented. Gearing up for the second leg of the Sunshine Double, the three-time major finalist had hoped to catch the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami in action.

While the stars don’t align with the MLS squad having road games through the first week of the Miami Open, Jabeur made the most of a special opportunity arranged by the combined 1000-level tournament and the club.

The Tunisian attended a closed training session over the weekend, getting a taste of the team’s preparations and energy behind the scenes.

“It’s very nice to be here, watching them practicing. Definitely a different environment from tennis, but it’s something that I love so much,” Jabeur said. “It’s a sport that I’ve admired since (a) young age and I’m enjoying my time before my tournament starts.”

During her visit, Jabeur enjoyed the opportunity to meet forward Leonardo Campana and midfielder Robert Taylor. Campana scored the first goal in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over hosts D.C. United this past Saturday.

“I think it’s important to see different sports. It was very nice to be that close and taking the opportunity away from tennis to really enjoy other athletes practicing,” the 29-year-old said.

Jabeur is seeded No. 6 in Miami and awaits the winner of Elina Avanesyan and Erika Andreeva. She is looking to bounce back from an opening defeat in Indain Wells to American Katie Volynets.