THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 7, 2023

Ons Jabeur

Press Conference

O. JABEUR/Bai Zhuoxuan

6-1, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Welcome to Ons Jabeur's press conference.

Ons, well played today. What were your takeaways from that match?

ONS JABEUR: Yeah, I think it was a good match for me. I tried to stick to the plan, just be able to be ready for tomorrow, I guess.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You met David Beckham today. How was that for you?

ONS JABEUR: Oh, amazing. Such an amazing person. I was really looking forward to meet him. We've been trying to organize this for a long time.

Very happy that I spoke to him. Hopefully will meet him again.

Q. What did he talk about?

ONS JABEUR: We talked about football, about his daughter, tennis in general. Him maybe watching a couple matches in U.S. So let's see.

Q. How did your relationship come about?

ONS JABEUR: How did we organize the meeting?

Q. Yes.

ONS JABEUR: It was through people that I know, one of the guys there organized it. It was some friends that I know that knew him.

I believe he watched tennis, too, he watched me a bit.

Q. How would you describe Andreescu's game, your thoughts on that matchup?

ONS JABEUR: She can be aggressive. She can change up the rhythm. I'm just going to try to take time from her. We can have a similar game because I know she likes to do some dropshots, she likes to slice a bit.

We actually have practiced together, so it's a good thing for me I guess. I haven't watched her matches honestly, but I'm going to speak more to my coach and see what we can do.

Q. Besides the fact that you helped her with her tweener, she said she admires you a lot for off-court stuff, the fact you're talking about women's rights, women in sports. What does it mean to you that your peers are acknowledging that? Was there a moment that made you feel that you want to speak up more?

ONS JABEUR: Well, it means a lot to me. I feel like she respects me a lot. That's really amazing to have this between players. I do respect her, too.

I know that she done things for Canada, too, which is really amazing. Also she's very nice to me outside the court.

It's important because, I don't know, I was born like this, to speak up, even though maybe I didn't have the chance to do it before. But I believe that I'm in position that I need to say what's on my mind and I need to say things for other people who doesn't have the chance to do it.

I've met so many amazing women. They want to achieve things. From different countries. I believe it's something that touches me more than other issues probably.

Yeah, hopefully I'm in the right way. Hopefully I'm doing it in the good way.

Q. In the past we've talked a lot about how people doubted you when you were younger, doubted that you would have made it. I'm curious if you've ever seen any of your doubters since you've been successful?

ONS JABEUR: You know what the good thing about it is? I know what they think, but they don't know that I know. You know that feeling (smiling)?

I don't believe any player in any sport didn't cross paths with those people. You always find them, even probably with you, you probably met some people they doubted you, told you you're never going to make it.

That's what makes it even more special. You see them, then you just continue because you know you have a point, you have a dream to achieve. That's what, honestly, I am doing right now.

Q. You've been around the game long enough, and have been at the top level and lower levels coming up. Have you ever experienced at the majors where you were treated differently by the tournament, by other people, because you were a lower-ranked player? What kinds of things changed? What kinds of perks have changed for you since you've been a top-ranked player?

ONS JABEUR: I believe that's how the world works, unfortunately. Maybe it's the right thing. I have no idea.

I don't remember being treated unfairly. At least that's a good thing. But, yeah, I mean, if you're a top player, then you deserve to be played on big courts. They treat you little bit better because they appreciate you.

As a lower player, you need to prove yourself, kind of gain your spot there, which is fair I believe. Maybe top players did earn their spot to be one of the best players in the world. When you're a lower-ranked player, you just need to work hard enough to be there to earn what you need to earn.

Maybe some players did earn it before they are ranked good. Maybe... But I believe for my case, I deserved and earned every bit of things that I'm maybe having right now.

Q. Did you ever have to play at the US Open on those practice courts that are sort of over by the subway station?

ONS JABEUR: Yes. Those are the best courts.

Q. Why?

ONS JABEUR: You appreciate those courts. You start from the bottom, then you just walk couple of meters and go practice on the other courts.

Yeah, I did practice a lot on those courts. It's pretty good (smiling).

Q. On Beckham.

ONS JABEUR: You like David Beckham, huh (smiling)?

Q. Did you enjoy the hug more with him or your victory today?

ONS JABEUR: Yes, yes, yes. Don't tell my husband that, but yes, I did enjoy that hug, and the very nice conversation with him.

I love to meet those athletes because I believe I can learn a lot from him. Hopefully I can meet many more.