(Tunis) The Tunisian Ons Jabeur, beaten in the final of the Wimbledon tournament last Saturday in London, received Thursday the Great Medal of the National Order of Merit from the hands of President Kais Saïed, for “her remarkable sporting successes”.
Posted at 12:51 p.m.
By receiving her at the Presidential Palace of Carthage, with her trainer and her husband who is also her physical trainer, the Head of State wanted to thank her with this prestigious decoration for having hoisted “high the country’s flag in international sporting events “.
“She was the ambassador of Tunisia” and showed “the ability of our youth to shine in all areas when the means and the necessary conditions are provided to them”, according to an official press release.
“Congratulations on this success and the future successes. You give an image to young Tunisians and of the Tunisian woman who takes up all challenges,” President Kais Saïed told her, awarding her the medal.
Jabeur, nicknamed “Minister of Happiness” in Tunisia, became the first Arab and African to reach the final of a Grand Slam tournament, after beating Germany’s Maria Tatiana in the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
The Tunisian then lost in the final against Kazakh of Russian origin Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
“It makes us proud as Tunisians. We want to give more hope to the young people watching us. We hope to continue this momentum. We are proud to be Tunisians and we will continue in this success, “replied the 27-year-old player, passed from the 2e at the 5e world place, despite his feat at Wimbledon.
Friday, a popular celebration will take place on the central artery of Tunis, Habib Bourguiba Avenue. Jabeur enjoys great popularity in her country and on social networks: when she arrived at the airport on Wednesday, she graciously submitted to numerous selfies, also agreeing to sign dozens of autographs.
Since Jabeur resumed his rise in the WTA rankings in 2018, the number of members in his Hammam Sousse club has doubled to reach 700 members.