Ons Jabeur was seen collaborating with Fernando Verdasco at the Madrid Open this year, as her coach, Issam Jellali, was absent in the Spanish capital.
The change is temporary as Jellali remains her coach and will continue to be in the upcoming months. However, she sought the assistance of a friend familiar with Madrid.
Verdasco, a retired ATP player from Madrid, offered his knowledge of the ATP and WTA 1000 event and facilities to help Jabeur.
Being friends with Jabeur, Verdasco gladly provided suggestions while she was coach-less for the week. Jabeur expressed her gratitude after securing a win.
“I’m trying to get the Spanish mentality on the clay, apparently it’s not that bad to play with that. We’re close friends and he just had his third baby, so we’re having the energy of a new baby in the team.”
“It’s nice to have him, I’ve always been a fan of him as a player, but also as a person because he has such an amazing energy. He’s helping me this week, so hopefully we can have more matches together.”
Jabeur returns to Madrid after winning the trophy in 2022. She missed defending her title last year due to injury but is happy to be back in a city she considers special and loves to revisit.
“Obviously I love Madrid so much, my favourite football team is from here so it’s always nice to come back and feel the great energy. This is a city I always tell my husband I would like to live in.”
Now, she aims to continue her winning streak in Madrid as she faces her next opponent, Leylah Fernandez.
