Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur had the Australian Open crowd in hysterics after her post-match recovery comments were misinterpreted by those inside the stadium.
The world No.2 ranked star battled out a 7-6, 4-6, 6-1 victory against Tamara Zidansek in her opening round match of the Australian Open. However, there was a tense moment in the match when Jabeur threw her racket in frustration as the unseeded Zidansek forced her into a third and decisive set.
However, after progressing into the second round Jabeur was in good spirits and mistakenly made the crowd laugh at the Rod Laver Arena when asked about her post-match recovery.
She replied: "Ice bath, and I'm going to make my husband work tonight, I'll have a lot of massage and good recovery."
Clearly embarrassed and left red faced by the crowd's reaction last year's Wimbledon and French Open finalist tried to clear up the situation. She added: "Massage, guys! Massage! For those who don't know, my husband is also my fitness coach and does everything for me."
The on-court interviewer added: "I'm glad we clarified that, I'm sure they (the crowd) knew what you meant."
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Jabeur, aged 28, is searching for her first Grand Slam crown after reaching a career-high ranking of second in the world last season. However, she was given a scare against world No.98 Zidansek who won the second set sending the match to a decisive third.
"I wasn't playing very well and she was putting a lot of pressure on me," added Jabeur. "She's a player who doesn't give up and brings every ball in so I was pretty frustrated, but I'm glad that I let it out.
"I just told myself to be No.2 in the world and just win this match. I tried to be more patient and keep it clean.”
The Tunisian star missed last year's Australian Open due to a back injury sustained while preparing for the tournament. Asked whether her first-round experience this year was better than what she was doing 12 months ago? Jabeur replied to Eurosport: “Sometimes the couch is better than suffering like I did today!
“Mostly, [I am] very happy, I tried to take this opportunity and tried to play better and better, and sometimes it’s really frustrating because doing the practice, you know you’re doing much better than this and then you come on the court and it’s completely different. I’m very happy I could battle today and with such a game, can win.”
