One of the bravest things any athlete can do is face the music immediately after a crushing loss in a prominent spot. The first understandable human instinct for a person is probably to turtle and get some privacy.
However, when you’re one of the best players in the world, like Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, you have a greater responsibility.
That’s especially the case for young generations.
Saturday, Jabeur (-154) lost the 2022 Wimbledon final to Elena Rybakina. For Jabeur — the current world No. 2, in her first career Grand Slam final — it might be the toughest loss of her career to this point.
But the Tunisian athlete — as the first Arab and African woman in a Grand Slam final, per The Guardian — seemed to recognize the words of her speech as more important than a game:
“I’m trying to inspire the next generations. I hope they are listening”@Ons_Jabeur, keep blazing the trail 🇹🇳#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/t4214lhOFu
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2022
Wow. Is someone cutting onions?
Here’s the central part of Jabeur’s touching, heartfelt speech:
“I love this tournament so much, and I feel really sad but it’s tennis, there is only one winner. I’m really happy. … I’m trying to inspire the next generations from my country [Tunisia]. I hope they’re listening.”
With a person as talented, influential and relatable as Jabeur, chances are someone has definitely been inspired by her play and her words.
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