Quote of the Day: Ons Jabeur on Madison Keys’ Grand Slam success: “She inspired us all”

A refreshed Ons Jabeur says the whole WTA Tour was inspired by Madison Keys’ long awaited first Grand Slam victory at the 2025 Australian Open, seeing the American finally lift the trophy eight years after appearing in her first major final.

The tennis world watched as Keys went from a teen prodigy to one of sport’s perennial ‘what ifs’ as nerves often kept the talented American from reaching her full potential. Keys was routed in the 2017 US Open final, but thanks to new approach and “lots of therapy”, she claimed her first major in Melbourne at the age of 29.

Read More: Madison Keys wins her first Grand Slam title at Australian Open by caring a little bit less

Jabeur, who has finished runner up in three Grand Slam finals, says she’s inspired to aim for the same—but as always, doing it in her own way, as she gave the American a shoutout during her pre-tournament press conference at the Qatar Total Energies Open.

“Every player has their own path, and she inspired us all when she won her first Grand Slam,” Jabeur said in Doha. “Everybody knows Madison plays unbelievable tennis, and she truly deserved that Australian Open.”

Q. Madison Keys won a Grand Slam in Australia, and she is kind of similar generation to yours, and she has also been going through some tough moments. I was wondering how you view her achievement.

ONS JABEUR: She's younger, but it's okay. Who is counting? (Laughing)

I mean, obviously every player has their own path, and she inspired us all when she won her first Grand Slam, and I wish her all the best. Everybody knows Madison play unbelievable tennis, and she truly deserved that Australian Open.

Everybody creates their own story. I feel like I'm going to discover more in my path and see what's going to happen. I tried my best to win my first Grand Slam, it hasn't come yet, but hopefully it will come soon, or when it's supposed to come, but I know that I'm doing everything in my power to be there.

If not, then I'll have a baby and make her win the first Grand Slam! (Laughing)

Jabeur is eager to turn the page on her own tennis story, as she returned to the courts in January after recovering from a shoulder injury that forced her to pull out of last year’s US Open. Having not competed since August, the Tunisian shut down the rest of her season after hitting a point where she “wasn’t enjoying much” on the court.

Nicknamed the Minister of Happiness by tennis fans in Tunisia, the sport's top-ranked Arab player was also forced to miss part of the Middle East swing last year due to a knee injury. Now, she's returned to the region with a vengeance after reaching the quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi, losing to Elena Rybakina in three sets, and kicking off her Doha campaign with a confident 6-2, 6-0 win over McCartney Kessler.

Read More: Elena Rybakina defeats Ons Jabeur in dramatic Abu Dhabi clash

“Definitely more refreshed than one year ago. Injury-wise, I am much better, and looking forward to playing this season,” Jabeur told press ahead of the tournament.

“Comparing to last year, I think I was pretty tired, and I have couple injuries that didn't help me perform well, but this year is a new year, and definitely a better me, on and off the court… I'm pretty happy with my level, and I know the level could be better.”

Up next, Jabeur will face No. 7 seed Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday for a place in the third round.