Tennis Elbow 2013 Media

Amazon Prime Video interview with world no. 8, Jabeur

05.09.2021


Reporter: Good afternoon everyone! Today we welcome world no.8 from Tunisia, Wajih Jabeur to the studio here at Flushing Meadows. Thank you for agreeing to chat with us!

Jabeur: Hello everyone, thank you. Hope I make it good. I will talk in French in some situation. Sorry for my English, but I’ll try my best.

Reporter: [laughs], no worries, we have a translator but I think your English is very good!

Jabeur: At some point [laughs], let’s see.

Reporter: So you arrive in Flushing Meadows on the back of a quite successful season which has you at no. 8 in the world and on track for the year-end ATP finals. What do you think are the highlights of your season so far?

Jabeur: I think nothing comes easy, I didn't start this season from the beginning, so I missed many good tournaments. I started bad, as you know, my rank was bad. That's why draws are against me, I faced many good players in first round, I lost many matches but I am still trying and trying and I like what I did for this season until now.

Reporter: Yes, it was tough for you at the beginning of the season, but is there any moment you can pinpoint where it all changed for you?

Jabeur: I think I won a five set against Andre Georges, with 19-17 last set and I take my revenge from King of Cans, returning for 0-1 to win the match 2-1, so I said I can make it and start my trip to top ten players and then completely change.

Reporter: Ah, yes. Your matches against King of Cans and Andre Georges were two of the best matches of the season! Your best results this season came during the clay court season, is it safe to say clay is your preferred surface? Your game seems to suit the clay very well.

Jabeur: Yes, I can confirm that my best surface is clay and I like rallies. I prefer Rolland Garros, I made the semi-finals there after beating seed number two and eight, then I travelled to Rome where I did my biggest achievement, reaching the final. Then quarter-final in Madrid and Monte Carlo, so yeah, I can say I am clay player.

Reporter: Ah, that was quite an amazing run you had at Roland Garros to reach the semi-finals, and generally you had a very solid clay season. However, the summer has not been as successful for you, as you didn’t have a great grass court season and lost early at the Olympics. What would you say was the reason for that?

Jabeur: First of all, I hate grass court [laughs], especially when playing against someone with good serve so I can’t do anything. For the Olympics I can say it I didn't practice well and I am forced to play with Italian player which is Mussetti. So logically, I lost to Axelitos, who made a good match and deserved the win 100%.

Reporter: I see. Yeah, it seemed like you really struggled with the transition to grass courts which was exposed in your match against grass-court specialist. Poland. And that’s a pity that you were not able to perform to your best at the Olympics, but there were a lot of upsets there due to the unique format of that tournament. Now as we move to the hard court season, do you have any significant goals or expectations?

Jabeur: Not really, I play every match and every tournament with same effort and ambition. Of course, my goals is to be at semi-finals in every tournament and why not win them. I am not sure I will play the last of the season. Maybe US Open is my last one, but it’s not confirmed yet. I travelled to US Open and I am practicing here, waiting for doctors report.

Reporter: So you say your goals are the same every tournament, just to win every match, but have you looked at your US Open Draw?

Jabeur: Yes I saw it, it isn't easy at all. I have good opponent in the beginning so I have to prepare well. This time, I have Sebko in my seed and Hoffi CZ, I haven’t played them for a while, and as I told you I can give up in US Open in anytime depending on medical report, so I hope I am doing well to compete till the end.

Reporter: Ah, I see. Well, your work is cut out for you, hopefully you will be fit enough to complete the tournament.

Jabeur: Yeah, you can’t control injuries, it happens. Who here doesn't want to play such a good tournament like US Open, but this is tennis. I didn't have times for my family and for vacation, I need some rest and relaxation, I am really tired from every week of travelling from country to country practicing, even if I lose, I stay there enjoying my friends matches.

Reporter: Yes, injuries are unfortunately a part of the game, and it’s tough being away from your friends and family for so long. So who are your friends on the tour?

Jabeur: I have many friends here such as Alex, Nogian, Andre Kerber, Squeaky and many I forget some other names sorry. I am trying to keep good relation with everyone.

Reporter: Well, that’s good that you have good relations with all of them. Do you consider any of the players your rivals? And are there any particular players you enjoy watching?

Jabeur: I really enjoy watching Alex and Bash’s matches. I consider King of Cans to be my rival, I have intense matches with him.

Reporter: We heard that you had a fight on the practice court with King of Cans in Cincinnati and you had to be separated, is there any truth to that rumour?

Jabeur: No, it’s just a rumour, I have a good relationship with King of Cans, he maybe misunderstood the situation. I explained it to him and it’s okay, you can ask him. I play him in an official match after and we are still friends. The situation is that I beat him in practice then he take that like a deal of revenge in official and that's what happened. He is a good player and I think he can finish the season as number one.

Reporter: Okay okay, we just needed to clear that up [laughs]. And yes, he’s on track to finish as number one, this is main goal and he’s probably the favourite for US Open, which would get him really close to the number one ranking. Who else do you think will do well?

Jabeur: I think Alex is playing good. I am hearing of Willito, I haven’t played him. There is comeback for Vtrix and I don't know if Poland will play or not, but yeah, there are many good players that can win US Open, but the favourite is King of Cans and Alex, in my opinion.

Reporter: Alex is not in the draw, he pulled out at the last minute. But yeah, Willito has a real possibility to do some damage and King of Cans is probably the favourite. So, what do you enjoy doing off the court?

Jabeur: I play some poker, watch football matches and go out with friends. I enjoy the beach.

Reporter: Ah interesting, what’s your favourite football team?

Jabeur: I really enjoy old Barcelona, now Manchester United and PSG.

Reporter: Ah, now PSG and Manchester United because of Messi and Ronaldo?

Jabeur: Not necessarily, I have been a supporter of PSG for a long time. And yeah, I like Ronaldo and I am happy that he has come back to Manchester United.

Reporter: Ah, okay. Well, we have a very exciting season ahead, this transfer window has been one of the most exciting ones ever. Well, Wajih, it’s been great talking to you. Do you have any message for your fans?

Jabeur: Thank you, its my pleasure to have an interview with you especially. Maybe my message is that working hard and self confidence are the keys to achieving your goals. You can be number one by practicing a lot, nothing is impossible. We all human, so don't give up and try again!

Reporter: Thank you Jabeur, and all the best for the US Open and the rest of your season!