Ons Jabeur has said that whether or not she wins a Grand Slam title in the future is up to 'destiny', citing Rafael Nadal after she faced double disappointment at Wimbledon this year.

World No. 5 Jabeur has now made two consecutive finals at the SW19 and one final at the US Open but is still without a major title. In 2022, the third seed was the obvious favorite against seventeenth seed Elena Rybakina at the All England Club. However, her opponent emerged as the underdog to win her first Grand Slam title, defeating Jabeur 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Later in the same season, Jabeur faced world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the final of the US Open and was defeated in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6. Most recently, the Tunisian reached the final of Wimbledon for a second consecutive year, but lost to underdog Marketa Vondrousova 6-4, 6-4.

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Jabeur draws inspiration from Nadal

After skipping the Canadian Open last week, Jabeur is preparing to compete at the Western & Southern Cincinnati Open. During a press conference at the WTA 1000 event, Jabeur revealed that she drew inspiration from Nadal's famous quote at the 2019 grasscourt major to help her get over the recent defeat.

"Rafa once said 'If, if, if, doesn't exist'. So for me, 'if I did this, if I did that,' I'm not going to focus with that. I'm just focusing on what's happening right now," she said.

The 28-year-old also added that she would accept a similar fate if she reaches the final of the upcoming US Open, as she believes some of the outcome is up to destiny.

"Again, if it doesn't happen at the US Open, I'm not going to be sad about it. I'm just going to keep trying. If it's going to work, then great, if not, then I believe that's my destiny. What's supposed to happen to me, it's something I cannot change. That's the beauty of it when you believe in it. As long as I'm doing my best, as long as I'm doing 100 percent, I think that's fair," she added.

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Jabeur still believes she can win a Grand Slam

Jabeur also said she believes her level is good enough to win a Grand Slam, and even to become one of the greatest players.

"I believe that I have the level to be a Grand Slam champion. I believe that I could be one of the greatest players. Everything takes time with me, unfortunately. Maybe it's a good thing. We never know," she said.

Jabeur will face Anhelina Kalinina in her opening round at the Cincinnati Open.

Amal Haouet

@AmalHaouet

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Tunisian 🎾 queen @Ons_Jabeur is back and faces Kalinina tonight in Cincinnati 8pm Tunis time #yallahabibi

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