In the vibrant world of women’s tennis, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian star whose meteoric rise has captivated fans and peers alike. Jessica Pegula, the American World No. 4, recently showered praise on her longtime rival and friend, marveling at Jabeur’s extraordinary achievements. “What Ons has done is really cool, and nobody expected it when we were junior players,” Pegula said in a heartfelt interview before the 2025 Italian Open. As both players prepare to compete on Rome’s red clay, Pegula’s words highlight Jabeur’s groundbreaking impact, not just as a player but as a cultural icon who’s shattered barriers for Arab and African women in tennis.
Pegula and Jabeur’s paths first crossed in the junior circuit, where they competed as teenagers with big dreams but little certainty of global stardom. Back then, Jabeur, hailing from Sousse, Tunisia, was a talented but unheralded prospect in a sport dominated by Western players. Pegula, reflecting on those days, recalled the unlikelihood of Jabeur’s ascent to World No. 2 and her status as a three-time Grand Slam finalist. “We were just kids grinding it out, and to see her now, inspiring so many—it’s incredible,” Pegula said. Jabeur’s journey, marked by her historic 2022 Madrid Open title and deep runs at Wimbledon and the US Open, has made her the first Arab woman to crack the WTA’s Top 10, a feat Pegula described as “something we couldn’t have imagined back then.”
The mutual respect between the two is palpable, forged through years of competitive battles. Their head-to-head record stands at a close 4-2 in Jabeur’s favor, with memorable clashes like the 2022 Madrid Open final, where Jabeur triumphed in three sets. “I definitely made her earn it,” Pegula said of that match, acknowledging Jabeur’s tenacity. Their rivalry has also been marked by camaraderie, notably at the 2021 Canadian Open, where Pegula thanked Jabeur’s Tunisian fans for electrifying the atmosphere. “They weren’t rooting for me, but they lit up the stadium,” she laughed, a nod to Jabeur’s ability to draw passionate support worldwide. That same year in Chicago, Jabeur rallied past Pegula 1-6, 6-2, 6-3, a match where she admitted, “Starting against Jessica is never easy,” highlighting the challenge Pegula’s aggressive, flat-hitting style poses.
Jabeur’s influence extends far beyond the court. As a vocal advocate for women’s rights and equality in sports, she’s championed initiatives like the WTA Finals’ move to Saudi Arabia, a decision Pegula also supported. “It’s a great opportunity for us to be there and continue the changes they’re making for women,” Jabeur said in 2024, a sentiment Pegula echoed, noting the inspirational impact on young girls in the region. Both players also praised Denis Shapovalov for addressing tennis’ gender pay gap, with Pegula calling it “really cool” that he used his platform unprompted. Their shared commitment to equity underscores a bond that transcends competition.
For Pegula, Jabeur’s rise is a personal inspiration. The American, who reached the 2024 US Open final and won the Charleston Open in 2025, has climbed to a career-high No. 3, but she admires Jabeur’s flair and resilience. “Ons has this unique game—drop shots, slices, everything,” Pegula said. “She’s shown you can play your way and still make history.” As they gear up for Rome, where Jabeur eyes a second clay title and Pegula aims to build on her 2022 Madrid final, their mutual admiration sets the stage for another potential showdown. Jabeur’s trailblazing path, once unimaginable in their junior days, continues to redefine what’s possible, and Pegula’s heartfelt praise captures the essence of a journey that’s as “really cool” as it is transformative.
Leave a Reply