Wimbledon final
Jabeur against Vondrousova for the first Grand Slam title
Marketa Vondrousova, like final opponent Ons Jabeur, is hoping to win her first Grand Slam title. photo
© Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/dpa
Nobody would have bet on a Jabeur final against Vondrousova before Wimbledon. Both are struggling with injuries, both are back. But there can only be a premiere for one on Saturday.
It is also certain: There will be a premiere in the tennis duel between the Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova from the Czech Republic (3 p.m. CEST / Sky). Because neither Jabeur nor Vondrousova have won a Grand Slam title so far.
The way to the final
The road to the final could hardly have been more difficult for Jabeur. Bianca Andreescu, Petra Kvitova, defending champion Rybakina and then also the second in the world rankings Aryna Sabalenka – Jabeur has more than earned her second final appearance after 2022 in the grass classic. The unseeded Vondrousova’s path was a little less rocky. With players like Donna Vekic and Jessica Pegula, the Czech also prevailed against strong opponents.
The final experience
Both players have already reached the final of Grand Slam tournaments. Jabeur has even fought twice for the title in one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. Last year she lost to Rybakina in Wimbledon, then she lost to the Polish Iga Swiatek at the US Open. Vondrousova’s only Grand Slam final so far is a little further back. In 2019 she lost to Ashleigh Barty of Australia at the French Open.
The tattoo thing
Vondrousova’s arms are adorned with numerous tattoos. But in the event of a victory, a new work of art will be added not to the Czech, but to her coach. “I have a bet with my coach. If I win a Grand Slam tournament, he’ll get a tattoo. I hope it comes to that,” said Vondrousova.
The importance of Jabeur for Africa
Jabeur can count on support at home. A whole continent is feverish with the bundle of energy from Tunisia. She is the first African player to win a Grand Slam tournament. “I hope I can make history. Not just for Tunisia but for Africa,” said Jabeur.