WTA Finals Player Profile: Ons Jabeur

Current Ranking: 7
W/L: 35-15
Titles: 2 (Charleston, Ningbo)
Grand Slam Record: 14-4
WTA Finals Appearance: 2
Best Result: Group Stage (2022)

Some players have a meteoric rise, others a slow and steady climb. Ons Jabeur didn’t break into the Top 20 until she was nearly 27. She appreciates that certain aspects of the sport take time. But when it comes to her prospects of winning a Grand Slam title, even the affable Tunisian may be running out of patience.

After coming one match short at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2022, it wasn’t surprising to see Jabeur start 2023 with a hangover. Her game started rounding into form during the clay court season with a title in Charleston and a quarterfinal run at Roland Garros. Heading into Wimbledon, Jabeur had just a 1-2 match record in the grass court warm-up events. But she found the magic again in London, exacting revenge over Elena Rybakina—her 2022 finals opponent—in the quarters before bouncing Aryna Sabalenka in the semis, both come-from-behind, thrilling three-set wins.

Waiting for Jabeur in the finals was 42nd-ranked Marketa Vondrousova. Even though the Czech had beaten Jabeur twice earlier in the season, Jabeur’s recent form and big match experience spoke favorably of her chances. Which only served to compound the disappointing result—a loss Jabeur labeled the most painful of her career.

A trailblazer for African and Arab players, Jabeur is hugely popular among peers and fans thanks to her charm and flashy shot-making. There’s arguably no player the tennis community would want to see win a first major more than Jabeur. Another top 10 season shows time may still be on her side.

Grab Jabeur’s Gear

Wilson Pro Staff 97 v14 ($279) (Purchase now at TennisShop.com)

Jabeur’s game is a devilish combination of power, precision and finesse. She can take the ball early and beat opponents with pace and placement, or take speed off the shot and drop it softly over net. Which makes her and a Wilson Pro Staff v14 a perfect match—a do-it-all type of player with a do-it-all type of racquet.

For Pro Staff players, it’s all about the frame’s precise and connected response. This latest version is designed to duplicate as much of the original feel of the racquet thanks to changes in the frame’s bending profile. Then marry it to the greater forgiveness and playability of the more modern version for a best of both worlds scenario. The racquet’s DNA is still intact—relatively head light and maneuverable, all-court versatility, superb touch and feel—but with enhancements to improve contact and control.