We are in the 21st century where technological advancements have established new horizons across industries, including the sporting world. However, there is still a glaring problem that is crippling even the sporting industry. That is inequality between men and women when it comes to prize money, opportunities, and many more factors. Recently, WTA tennis icon Ons Jabeur pointed out how this issue is very much prevalent in the ongoing Madrid Open.

The clay-court Masters tournament is one of the many events where men’s and women’s matches take place simultaneously. However, Jabeur was shocked to see that none of the women’s matches were broadcast on TV. Thus, she vented out her frustration on this issue.

Ons Jabeur makes an appeal to the tennis world

The Tunisian star is having a dream run in the Madrid Open. She has reached the quarterfinals of the tournament after putting on some resounding performances. During an interview at the tournament, she pointed out how gender inequality persists at the tournament. Jabeur narrated, “I feel like definitely tennis is one of the sports that l’m proud to play in as a woman. I feel like we have a long way, especially here in Madrid and in Rome, in Europe in general. I feel like they need to respect women more and they need to respect how we are playing.”

Further, she went on to add, “Yeah, I’m definitely one of the people that I want to speak up. I really enjoy watching women’s tennis, enjoy watching women’s sports in general. I think we deserve better. It’s not like we are not doing any effort and we are asking for more than what we deserve, for sure.”

Jabeur has always been a role model for so many young stars looking to take up the sport. As a result, she was utterly disappointed not to see any women’s match being broadcast on TV. Now Jabeur is taking it into her own hands and leaving a trailblazing impact on the tennis world.

Ons Jabeur looking to take the ‘first step’

The 29-year-old comes from a country that hasn’t seen many sporting superstars shine on the global stage, let alone women. Coming from an Arab nation, Jabeur is looking to have an impact on the next generation, who are looking to take up sports as a career. One such player, who has emerged recently is Abdullah Shelbayh.

The player from Jordan is just 20-years-old and boasts tremendous talent to become a top player. Talking about supporting such players, Jabeur said, “And for me, it is really important. I always want to do the first step and tell them if they want to talk or need anything, I’m always here for them.”

Jabeur will next face the winner of the match between Coco Gauff and Madison Keys in the Madrid Open quarterfinals. It will be interesting to see if she can overcome all odds and lift the trophy in Madrid.