Ons Jabeur stated that he would donate the prize money he won at the WTA Finals, Cancun 2023 season to aid for Palestine.
After bagging her first win in the group phase of the WTA Finals this week in straight sets over the Czech national, Marketa Vondrousova, the Tunisian tennis player greeted the audience with tears in her eyes.
“I feel very happy about this win, but to be honest I haven’t felt happy lately. “This world situation doesn’t make me feel happy,” said Jabeur before tears welled up in his eyes. After calming down, he discussed the war in Gaza.
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“It is very difficult to see children, babies die every day. That’s really heartbreaking. So, I decided to donate my prize money to help the Palestinian people. I couldn’t be happier just with this win, with everything that happened. I’m sorry, I know it’s supposed to be about tennis, but it’s so frustrating seeing all those videos every day.”
“I apologize, this is not a political message. This is just a matter of humanity. I want peace in this world and that’s all.”
In his press conference, the Wimbledon runner-up in the last two seasons discussed the challenges of focusing on the world of tennis along with what is happening in the Middle East.
“I try to stay away from social media as much as possible, but it’s very difficult,” Ons Jabeur said. “You see the videos, the photos, they are horrific, horrific photos every day. It doesn’t help me sleep or recover very well and the worst thing is that I feel hopeless. I feel like I don’t feel anything. I wish I had a magic wand and just ended this all with peace for everyone.”
“But it’s frustrating and maybe donating some money could help a little with what they’re going through at the moment. But I know money doesn’t mean anything to them right now. So, I hope for freedom for everyone and truly peace for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Jabeur will face world number 2 tennis player, Iga Swiatek in the final match of the WTA Finals group phase. He must win if he wants to advance to the semifinals.
