Ons Jabeur talks BBQs and mental toughness on Erika Nardini’s podcast 

Talking Tennis With Tracy: Learning from Roger Federer

What’s the secret to Ons Jabeur’s meteoric rise during 2022, a season that saw her rise to world No. 2 and reach back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open? Having a tough mentality and not being afraid to take risks is part of the equation, Jabeur says on the latest episode of the Token CEO podcast.

Hosted by Barstool Sports CEO Erika Nardini, the podcast delves into topics ranging from career advice for women to conversations with founders and entrepreneurs as well as top athletes.

Across an engaging hour-long episode, the pair discussed everything from Ons’ love for barbecues to her mental coaching, and also breaks down the meaning behind her “Minister of Happiness” nickname.

“I’m someone who doesn’t stop, and I always want to challenge myself. Every year I just try to put something in my head to do it,” she tells Nardini.

“Last time, I was like, Okay, I’m not going to judge anyone in this life anymore. Even, like, the small things.”

When asked by a hilariously skeptical Nardini, “So how’s that going for you?” Jabeur flipped the question inward: “By doing that, actually I’m not judging myself anymore,” Jabeur explained.

“That’s something that I used to do a lot. I was very hard on myself a lot, which didn’t help me to be the player and the person that I am.”

Jabeur’s next challenge: the Jasmin Open in Monastir, Tunisia’s first-ever WTA tournament. She’s the No. 1 seed at the 250-level event, and is scheduled to take on Ann Li in the opening round on Tuesday.