If ever there was a season to celebrate the rising profile of tennis in the Middle East, this would be it. I feel it on a personal level. But it’s obviously happening on a larger scale too.
This week was very special for me because I get to compete on home soil at the Jasmin Open – the first WTA tournament to be played in Tunisia.
It’s amazing to have such an event in my country. So many people, children and adults, dream of seeing me play in Tunisia. The fact that I am here and that my compatriots can see me live is an opportunity to inspire everyone, especially the new generation, who should believe that one day they too can be in my position, as a Tunisian touring and play in major tournaments.
It is of course also a great moment to give the world a positive image of Tunisia. Sport has an almost unique power to inspire in such a personal and comprehensive way.
It’s not easy, as my career and the careers of all athletes show. But many of the deeper rewards are still there, both in defeat and in victory. A few weeks ago I lost the US Open final to Iga Swiatek. Although it may seem like a sad moment, believe it or not, I haven’t really had the time to reflect on what I’ve achieved in the Grand Slams this season. Instead, I just focused on Tunisia’s tournament and what it means to the country and region.
Nonetheless, it was a busy year. I still can’t believe I reached two Grand Slam finals in a row, in Wimbledon and in New York. Now there’s another big tournament coming up, the WTA Finals, which will be my next big focus. I can certainly say I’m a bit tired. It’s the end of the season and I can really feel it. The most important thing for me after these big tournaments is to rest and not be drained, especially not emotionally, because international tennis is very demanding in that regard.
It’s important to give myself the opportunity to celebrate. And while focus must remain, being surrounded by my family here at the Jasmin Open is a good opportunity to reflect on the deeper sporting meaning of this year.
Many of the deeper rewards are still there, both in defeat and in victory
I’m often asked about my legacy and what I think of the impact I’ve had on Arabian sport so far. I don’t want to get involved in this kind of competition with other players. I just want us as players in the region in general to be united and encourage each other to do better and wish each other the best results possible.
I try to do my part, especially by giving hope and inspiration to as many players as possible. Still, it’s a daunting task, the magnitude of which I can’t quite fathom yet. In just one week I was overwhelmed by the number of young and talented players here in Tunisia who approached me to talk about their goals and ambitions.
This wave of enthusiasm in the region is not only reserved for tennis players. Recently Moroccan golfer Ines Laklalech, who last month became the first Arab or North African to win a title on the Ladies European Tour, reached out to thank me for inspiring her. It was a touching moment. I didn’t quite understand that tennis can also help people in other sports. Apparently there are only two Moroccan women who play golf on the LET and one of them texted me. It gives me extra motivation to do more.
I was also very happy to see Egypt’s Mayar Sherif win her first WTA title this month in Parma. It was amazing to see her overcoming the odds, not least in regards to her recent serious injury. Hopefully she can join the effort to encourage more players from Egypt and the region. Your country is already a remarkably successful center of squash internationally.
Back in the world of tennis, it’s amazing that two Arab women are in the WTA top 50. It is reminiscent of the “Three Musketeers”, the Moroccan trio of Hicham Arazi, Karim Alami and Younes El Aynaoui, who shone in the men’s tennis tour; So it’s nice to see women at the top now.
It is worth mentioning that the UAE plays an important role in promoting sporting achievements in the region. After last month’s US Open, I was delighted to learn that I was named Arab Sports Personality of the Year at the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Awards in Abu Dhabi. I feel at home in Abu Dhabi and have a strong connection to Abu Dhabi which is why I am so excited to be back at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship next December.
Weekend essays by The National
I would say I feel spoiled even in the city. Even though I replaced Emma Raducanu at the last minute last year, a supportive crowd showed up and people really cheered me on. I think that was one of the first times I started to realize how big of an impact I have on the Arab world and its sport. This time I’m hoping for a full stadium with more advance notice.
I think my biggest goal for 2023 is to win a Grand Slam and become number one in the world. But whether that happens or not, there’s always the inspiring and crucial side story of promoting the sport in the region, which I’m proud to be a key figure in.
Published: October 07, 2022, 06:00 p.m
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