Cancun, Mexico (Web Desk): Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur on Wednesday burst into tears and said she will donate a part of her prize money from the ongoing Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals to Palestinians.
The Tunisian former world No 2 avenged her Wimbledon final loss to Markéta Vondroušová with a 6-4, 6-3 win in Mexico, making a comeback in the semi-final race after Monday’s loss to Coco Gauff.
Turning the tables @ons_jabeur avenges this year's Wimbledon final by defeating Vondrousova 6-4, 6-3 in Cancun.#WTAFinals pic.twitter.com/UiYe8I3QnB
— wta (@WTA) November 2, 2023
In the post-match interview an emotional Jabeur held back tears as she spoke on the court after her win over Vondrousova.
Ons Jabeur says she’s donating a portion of her prize money to Palestine:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 2, 2023
“I am very happy with the win but I haven't been very happy lately. The situation in the world doesn't make me happy... I feel like… I am sorry. It’s very tough seeing children & babies dying every day.… pic.twitter.com/fVBz9McSjU
“I am very happy with the win but I haven’t been very happy lately. The situation in the world doesn’t make me happy,” the three-time grand slam finalist said. “So I feel like...I am sorry,” Jabeur said as she took a moment to regain composure.
She continued “It’s very tough seeing children and babies dying every day. It’s heartbreaking. I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians. I can’t be happy with this win.
“It is not a political message, it is humanity,” she added. “I want peace in this world. That’s it.”
The 29 year-old will face group leader Iga Swiatek in the last group stage match as she tries to reach the top four of the WTA Finals for the first time in her career, after a group stage elimination in 2022.
