Celebrati-Ons in Tunisia: Jabeur honored at Presidential Palace
As soon as the Wimbledon finalist touched down in Tunis, the country’s capital, she was greeted by a massive celebration worthy of the ‘Minister of Happiness’.
With every victory at Wimbledon, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur wrote her name into the Grand Slam history books—becoming the first African woman in the Open Era, and the first Arab player ever, to reach a major final.
The 27-year-old has been open about her early career struggles, including lack of finances, but she’s always made it a point to remain based in her beloved Tunisia. After reaching the Wimbledon final, Jabeur said it was her mission to keep inspiring young tennis players, both back home and beyond Tunisian borders.
“I'm a proud Tunisian woman standing here today," Jabeur said on Centre Court. "I know in Tunisia they're going crazy right now. I just try to really inspire as much as I can.
“I want to see more players, not just Tunisian but Arab and African players on the tour. I just love the game and I want to share this experience with them.”
Tunisian fans lived and breathed every Wimbledon moment along with Jabeur, and were indeed inspired by her journey to the final, where she fell to Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
As soon as Jabeur touched down in Tunis, the country’s capital, she was greeted by a massive celebration worthy of their ‘Minister of Happiness’. Jabeur was welcomed at the airport by a crowd of enthusiastic fans and given a bouquet of flowers in exchange for many, many selfies.
She was joined by husband Karim Kamoun and coach Issam Jellali, and they were received by the President of Tunisia, Kaïs Saïed at the Presidential Palace in Carthage—and he awarded her with the country’s Great Medal of the National Order of Merit for her achievements.
“Thank you to His Excellency President Kaïs Saïed for his welcome to the Presidential Palace!” Jabeur wrote in a social media post.
"Congratulations on this success and future successes,” the president said. “You are an example for young Tunisians, and for the Tunisian woman who rises up to all challenges…
"This makes us proud as Tunisians. We want to give more hope to the young people who watch us. We hope to continue this momentum. We are proud to be Tunisians and we will continue with this success story."
Jabeur showed off her Wimbledon finalist plate to fans at the Municipal Theater in the center of Tunis—and then took even more selfies.
Tunisia has been going through tough times in recent years, both economically, with public funds on the brink of collapse, and politically, with President Saïed seizing control of executive power and then dissolving the country’s parliament.
But with this historic victory, and an equally monumental reception for their national hero, Tunisians had something else to celebrate for a while.
"Tunisians have forgotten their problems, we all are proud of Ons," said sports minister Kamel Deguich. “She is really the Minister of Happiness.”
