© Getty Images Sport – Matthew Stockman
Ons Jabeur jokingly said Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka missing Guadalajara is definitely improving her title chances. This week, world No 7 Jabeur is the only top-10 player competing at a WTA 1000 tournament in Guadalajara.
When the Guadalajara entry list was released in August, seven top-10 players signed up to play. But after the US Open, the majority of those players – Swiatek, Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari – withdrew from Guadalajara.
Caroline Garcia, who was a top-10 player in August, is now ranked at No 11 in the world. With that being said, Jabeur is the only the top seed and the only top-10 player competing in Guadalajara this week. In her pre-tournament presser, Jabeur was asked if Swiatek and Sabalenka not competing is a positive factor for her Guadalajara title chances.
“I mean, it’s definitely better, a little bit (laughing). But I think the conditions here are kind of tough for everyone. This is my first time playing in Guadalajara, so I’m really trying to adapt a little bit. But, yeah, I’m definitely glad to be here.
I’m enjoying, honestly, the fans. I didn’t expect that they know me that well. So I’m really excited about this. I’m just going to take it one match at a time and see what’s going to happen,” Jabeur said in her pre-tournament press conference.
Jabeur hopes to do well in Guadalajara
In Mexico, Jabeur suggested that a WTA 1000 tournament in Guadalajara starting just seven days after the conclusion of the US Open is probably not the best scheduling.
But Jabeur is enjoying her time in Guadalajara so far and she is hoping to have a successful week before leaving Mexico. “Well, I mean, it’s definitely not the best scheduling. This is the last, let’s say, month or so of tournaments.
Probably the last three tournaments of my season. It’s never easy. So I try to adapt as much as I can. Honestly, I’m very surprised to be here, because I really enjoy being here with everyone. So definitely this love and the fans will give me the strength to finish well the season,” Jabeur said.
