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Jabeur aims to 'inspire generation' after Arab tennis breakthrough

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AFP Melbourne
Last Updated : Jan 26 2020 | 3:30 PM IST

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur said she hoped to inspire young people across the Arabic-speaking world after she became the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final on Sunday.

The unseeded 25-year-old knocked out China's Wang Qiang, who upset Serena Williams in the previous round, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 to extend her dream run in Melbourne.

Jabeur, the highest-ranked Arab woman in history -- she reached a career-high 51 last year, and is now 78th -- will next play America's Sofia Kenin in the last eight.

"I'm trying to inspire many (of the) young generation back home either in Tunisia or the Arabic world, especially in Africa, which is amazing," Jabeur said.

"I mean, it's not impossible. I made it. Like I said before, I've been practising in Tunisia from the age of three through 16 or 17. I'm 100 percent Tunisian product."
"Hopefully they can still watch me and follow more, not just in the Grand Slam but the other tournaments. It will be really amazing. I really hope I can give a good example."

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First Published: Jan 26 2020 | 3:30 PM IST

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