Ons Jabeur describes “Grand Slam” feeling of playing doubles with Serena Williams

The Wimbledon finalist won’t soon forget her time on court with the 23-time Grand Slam champion in the wake of her evolution on away from the sport at the US Open.

ByDavid Kane

Published Sep 03, 2022

WATCH: Jabeur helped Serena make a winning return to action in Eastbourne earlier this year, making the semifinals together in doubles.

Advertising

Ons Jabeur is yet to win a major title, but the world No. 5 feels she has already experienced similar emotions when she shared the doubles court with newly-retired Serena Williams in Eastbourne.

“It's like winning a Grand Slam for me, you know,” she said after defeating Shelby Rogers to reach the fourth round at the US Open.

Jabeur was fresh off a heartbreaking defeat at Roland Garros when she was asked to assist in what would be the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s first tennis match after almost a year out of action.

“First time hitting with her I was really stressed,” admitted the Tunisian. “I didn't want to miss any ball, I didn't want to make a bad impression. I feel much more comfortable with her right now, and definitely that helped my confidence a lot.

“I just think, just really amazing, the combination of us playing together, it's kind of incredible. She was, like, for a certain time she was apologizing, like, ‘’Sorry,’ because she missed.

“I was, like, ‘You can miss, no problem!’”

I feel like I was lucky enough to play doubles with her, because this, I'm going to cherish for my whole life. Ons Jabeur

She and Serena won two matches together in Eastbourne before pulling out ahead of the semifinals; for Jabeur it was an unforgettable moment with one of her childhood idols.

“Everybody knows Serena there,” she said of the home reaction to the former world No. 1 “They actually know the Williams sisters, ‘Les Soeurs Williams.’ That's how everybody knows the sisters there.

“I got to watch Serena a lot growing up, and like seeing her, how she was really consistent in a lot of things and breaking records everywhere. Her and Venus, to be honest with you. Unbelievable what they did for this sport.

“I feel like I was lucky enough to play doubles with her, because this, I'm going to cherish for my whole life.”