DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 17, 2025

Ons Jabeur

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Press Conference

P. STEARNS/O. Jabeur

7-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Obviously not the result you were hoping for. Can you describe your thoughts on the match.

ONS JABEUR: Yeah, it was pretty tough today. I wasn't 100%. Obviously I didn't think I had enough time to recover from both tournaments.

But yeah, been there, trying my best. I just didn't want to just retire. I want to try more and see how it goes.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Would you please outline the psychological techniques you do with your coach to enhance your on-court performance.

ONS JABEUR: There is two type of things I try before the matches and everything. For me, I try to relax, be in the zone, not overthink about the match. A lot of breathing I do.

And during the match, I try to focus on one thing, on one strategy that I need to do. Sometimes I keep talking to myself so I don't let all the negative thoughts come to my mind. But mostly I try to focus on one thing.

A lot of music or something relaxes me. Even on the changeover, I try to listen to the music.

Q. Obviously you were in some kind of physical discomfort through the match. Could you tell us what was bothering you, if you need any kind of medical attention.

ONS JABEUR: No, nothing really serious. I wasn't just feeling 100% physically. I feel I've been tired, I haven't been sleeping as good as I was hoping to be sleeping. It was difficult to really recover from Abu Dhabi, Doha, now come here. I felt it was like a long tour for me.

Yeah, I was hoping to really play good here. Unfortunately, it wasn't the case today.

Q. You were talking about Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, the physical tiredness. Would this affect your choice of tournaments for next season?

ONS JABEUR: Next season? Let me finish this season first, man (smiling). I barely started this one.

I don't know. I feel like I need to listen to my body more. I need to follow it more and see how it goes with everything.

You know how these tournaments are very close to my heart. I feel like even not playing here was not an option for me. It's very difficult to take that decision here.

Yeah, just will follow my body, will go with the flow, and hopefully I can be ready.

Q. A lighter question. I know what a fragrance fan you are. I was wondering if you were aware there is a candle company that created a candle that is named after you and is scented with cucumber and Wasabia. It's called the Jabeur.

ONS JABEUR: Oh, really? I don't like Wasabia. I don't know what that choice is. I would probably put the Harissa better. I'm more a Harissa person.

I need to try this. I never tried it. But thank you. I don't know why the cucumber-Wasabia. I would ask the person why the choices. Maybe I'm spicy (smiling).

Q. Are you a fragrance...

ONS JABEUR: I love anything that smells good, yes. Candles, perfumes, anything. Thank you for sharing that (smiling).

Q. Will you be staying in Dubai? Any plans about visiting any particular place?

ONS JABEUR: I mean, this is my home really. I'm a resident here, so... I love being here.

I'm probably going to spend a bit of time with my family. I don't think I'm going to leave right away. But yeah, I have some stuff to do. Hopefully I just enjoy my time here, enjoy time with my friends. I love Dubai so much.

Q. Back to the match itself. I think that's the first time you played against Peyton. What did you make of her performance today?

ONS JABEUR: Yeah, Peyton is a really good player. We practice a lot together, more last year and the year before. But yeah, she's a tough opponent. I think she has a lot to improve for sure. I see her in a better ranking than this.

I wish her all the best for the future. She handled moments very well during the match. I hope she can make it very far.