What can be the most difficult challenge for a tennis player during a match? The tough competition posed by the opponent or one’s lack of conviction in hitting winning strokes? For 22-year-old Frenchwoman Elsa Jacquemot, it was neither of these two – but language, as she was nervous speaking in English in front of the Mexican audience. Jacquemot, who has emerged as the biggest surprise in the WTA landscape this week thanks to her heroics in Guadalajara, needed a helping hand to convey her message to fans after earning a special milestone. Guess what? She did receive help, just in time.

Jacquemot is competing in Mexico this week at the Guadalajara Open (a WTA 500 event). And, after defeating a solid opponent, Tatjana Maria, in the quarterfinals, the French star managed to win. Despite losing the first set, she fought back and later made it into her maiden semifinal of any WTA event in her career.

Undoubtedly, she was elated to have accomplished this feat and wanted to share her emotions with the crowd present during her match. The only issue was that Jacquemot was feeling nervous in speaking English. But the match officials sensed her situation quickly and came up with a much-needed solution. In no time, Jacquemot had a French-speaking interpreter by her side to convey her thoughts.

Translating Jacquemot’s thoughts, the interpreter stated, “The key was to stay calm, confident. And it has helped her to keep going.” Indeed, the 22-year-old’s calm and composed persona helped her throughout the tournament to stay focused and play her best game on the Mexican hard court.

In fact, the Frenchwoman made headlines a few days back at Akron Tennis Stadium when she pulled off an upset after defeating World No.55 Maria Sakkari. But that was just the beginning for Jacquemot’s sensational campaign. The 22-year-old then bested another established WTA name. She dominated World No.9 Elise Mertens in the R16 in a thrilling three-setter. In back-to-back matches, she’s bested prominent WTA stars to make everyone take notice of her talent.

Elsa Jacquemot doesn’t ‘want to stop’ chasing success

The 22-year-old WTA talent has been making waves throughout this season. Although she’s yet to win a big event, her multiple campaigns have showed her massive potential.

Back in June, Jacquemot managed to reach the third round of the French Open after defeating the likes of Maria Sakkari and then Alycia Parks. Then at the All England Club, she ousted Magda Linette in the first round. It was a huge moment for the young Frenchwoman. Following the massive win, she simply confessed, “It was a really big match. Playing against a seeded player isn’t easy. It’s the first time I’ve won a match in the main draw at Wimbledon. This is already my fourth match here.”

She added, “I’m really happy, things are going pretty well. Yesterday, I found out I’d broken into the top 100. Of course, I don’t want to stop here—I don’t want to say it’s my goal because it’s not my ultimate objective—but I’m very happy to have entered the top 100.”

Two months later, Jacquemot is already in top 85 (ranked 83rd as of now). Undoubtedly her ongoing run in Guadalajara will help her further improve her rankings next week. But the question remains: will the 22-year-0ld eventually manage to clinch her maiden WTA title in Mexico? Only time will tell.