Ons Jabeur

Nicknamed the Minister of Joie de Vivre, she symbolised, through her victories, defeats, injuries, kindness and incredible energy, everything that Tunisians, mired in a severe socio-economic crisis, aspired to. When she won her first matches in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour, they rejoiced and became tennis commentators. When Ons plays, nothing else matters. The budding champion, who won the Roland Garros Junior final in 2011, became the first Arab and African player to be ranked No. 2 in the world in 2022 and to reach a Grand Slam final. Then came Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, and, also in 2022, the US Open and the Madrid Open. She maintained her place in the top 10 for over a year before suffering injuries and a dip in form that saw her drop to 42nd in the rankings. The Sahel-born player, who relishes difficult shots and variety in her game, started out with the support of her parents and then continued her career and training alongside her husband, fencing champion Karim Kamoun. Despite her spectacular defeats, 31-year-old Ons Jabeur remains an inspiration to young people, on the continent and throughout the Arab world, inspiring them to take up the sport.