Our Tunisian Tennis Payoneer is making history again this week.
She eliminated three Americans in a row from the US Open, then a Russian, an Australian, and a French. They all come from nations that have long mastered the art of Tennis. Now she finds herself in the Finals to face Iga Swiatek Tonight.
Whatever the outcome, I'm proud of her. So is every Tunisian and maybe every African. She's the first African woman to make it to the US Open final. She was the first to make it to the 1/4 finals! So everything beyond that is great.
But honestly, I have hope this time.
Iga Swiatek made herself a legend with her impressive winning streak earlier this year, collecting every title one would hope for. But even she had her share of losses afterward.
Jabeur Had lost her first Grand Slam final in Wimbledon against Rybakina. She now has that experience in her background. She also lost her last game against Iga in a match that looked hopeless at the time, back when Iga was unbeatable. But after qualifying for the final, she said she might know what to do against Iga this time. I would like to trust her and believe in her.
An inspiration
Ons, the champion (in my eyes and those of her fans) who never stopped talking about wanting to inspire the younger generations of African athletes and make them believe that everything is possible with hard work and dedication, has proved, indeed, that it doesn't matter where you come from or how much can your parents spend on your training, as long as you have the passion and believe in yourself.
Either way, being 2nd to Iga in a tournament where every big name, with no exceptions, gave it their best shot, is honorable enough.
Her match will surely be followed by millions of Tunisians tonight.
