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Ons Jabeur names the two ‘unbelievable’ Grand Slam champions who inspired her to play tennis

Originally posted on HITC | By Matthew Johns | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Ons Jabeur is often the person inspiring others, but she has also been inspired by two legendary tennis players.

Jabeur is a three-time Grand Slam finalist and has been ranked as high as world number two, but she has faced some difficulties in recent times.

After admitting she was struggling with her mental health, Jabeur decided to take a break from tennis after retiring from her first round match at Wimbledon.

Jabeur has dismissed retirement rumours since then, but that break will now be extended after she announced her pregnancy.

Although she has not played a match in five months, Jabeur was still at the WTA Finals in Riyadh this year, where she revealed two WTA players who have inspired her.

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Ons Jabeur names Kim Clijsters and Gabriela Sabatini as her biggest inspirations

During her time in the Saudi capital, Jabeur conducted a coin toss for the match between Coco Gauff and Jasmine Paolini, and she also spoke in an interview with The Tennis Pulse YouTube channel.

In this interview, Jabeur was asked if there were any tennis players who had inspired her when she was growing up.

Jabeur responded by naming four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters, as well as 1990 US Open champion Gabriela Sabatini, who she had lots of nice things to say about after meeting her.

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“I loved to watch Kim Clijsters, and I got the chance to meet her and obviously Sabatini I love her so much and thank you for what you said about me,” said Jabeur.

“…Listen, I wasn’t watching a lot of TV, but now with YouTube and everything I got the chance to go back and watch her playing and she’s unbelievable, and more incredible as a person.

“You know, when I met her, she was like so humble and I really want to hit with her. We never got the chance to do it, so hopefully soon.”

What did Gabriela Sabatini say about Ons Jabeur?

Jabeur referenced comments Sabatini made about her in her response, with the Argentine reciprocating the warmth in a different interview with the Tennis Pulse.

When asked which player she would most like to have a rivalry with from modern day tennis, Sabatini responded by naming the Tunisian.

“I would say Ons Jabeur,” answered Sabatini. “Yes, I love her as a human being and as a tennis player. Obviously I love the way she plays, she’s such a great role model.”

Jabeur is currently ranked at world number 76, but will not be returning to tennis anytime soon as she looks set to welcome her first child.

However, when she does decide to return to the WTA Tour, Jabeur will have the security of a protected ranking which will guarantee her entry into Grand Slam tournaments.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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