Ons Jabeur: Going to have popcorn and enjoy every time Ostapenko goes for the referee

Ons Jabeur will be ready with popcorn by her side, hoping for some entertainment, when Jelena Ostapenko and Emma Raducanu face off in the first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart on Tuesday. While the battle between the two young stars promises to be entertaining, Jabeur joked that watching Ostapenko challenge the chair umpire's calls would be quite enjoyable on its own.

The third-seeded Jabeur will face the winner of this match in the Round of 16 later this week.

As is the case with many clay-court tournaments, Stuttgart 2023 will also be devoid of electronic line challenges. Umpires/referees as well as players will depend on the mark of the ball on the clay to make decisions about out/in calls.

Ostapenko has a history of heated arguments with Hawk-eye and line umpires' calls. In that context, Jabeur joked about wanting to see more of the same in the Latvian's match against Raducanu.

"It's going to be fun to watch all the calls and the marks and the no Hawk-Eye, so let's see how it's gonna be (smiling)," Ons Jabeur said in a pre-tournament press conference. "For me, I'm going to have popcorn and enjoy every time Ostapenko goes for the referee (smiling)."

Ons Jabeur also feels it will be a 'beautiful' match between the two hard hitters. She further joked that she hopes Raducanu and Ostapenko will tire out each other before the winner faces her.

"Two great players, you know. Both they hit very hard. Maybe Ostapenko maybe a little bit more," Jabeur said. "I think it's going to be beautiful match -- I hope both they get tired -- and be ready for my match."

Jabeur, who has been dealing with injury issues for most of the season so far, won the title on the green clay of Charleston a week ago.

"It's clay season and it's a court that I love so much" - Ons Jabeur ahead of Stuttgart 2023

Ons Jabeur competes at the Charleston Open.

Ons Jabeur was forced to undergo surgery for a knee injury she suffered at the Australian Open in January. Indian Wells was her first tournament since surgery.

In just her third event on the comeback trail, Jabeur won the Charleston Open without dropping a single set across five matches. With momentum on her side, Jabeur hopes to carry on her good form in Stuttgart and the rest of the clay swing.

"Charleston was a better start for me. We were able to work harder and were able to put the work that was supposed to be done already," Jabeur said on her comeback.

"Yeah, I think I'm in a good track right now. Healthier, for sure. Honestly, it's clay season and it's a court that I love so much. So I'm just going to enjoy my time here," she added.

Jabeur could face Indian Wells champion Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, before a potential clash against Iga Swiatek in the semifinals.