Ons Jabeur: Australian Open suggestive comment about 'massage, guys!' - Insider

[massage]

• Ons Jabeur inadvertently made a suggestive comment during an Australian Open interview.
• The world No. 2 said she'd "make my husband work hard" for her post-victory recovery.
• As the crowd laughed, Jabeur explained that her husband is her fitness coach and she meant "massage, guys!"

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World No. 2 Ons Jabeur has advanced to the second round of the 2023 Australian Open — though her three-set battle proved far more challenging than she probably would've liked.

So was her on-court interview.

After she eked out a 7-6 (8), 4-6, 6-1 win over Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek, Jabeur fielded some questions about her resilience and her mindset after running into some trouble on the court. Then, as her final question, player-turned-commentator Jelena Dokic asked Jabeur what her recovery would entail after the late-night match went a long two hours and 17 minutes.

Jabeur during her first-round match.
Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

That's where the interview went awry.

"Ice bath, and I'm gonna make my husband work tonight to have a lot of massage and good recovery," the Tunisian star said as the crowd broke out in laughter.

"Massage, guys!" she added quickly with a smile. "Massage!"

Rod Laver Arena erupted in applause and whistles. Even Dokic and Jabeur shared a chuckle down on the court.

Jabeur chats with Jelena Dokic after her win.
REUTERS/Carl Recine

"For those who don't know," Jabeur said as the crowd shushed, "my husband is also my fitness coach and does everything for me, so..."

"I'm glad we clarified that," Dokic added as the audience laughed some more. "I'm sure they knew what you meant. Anyway, congratulations."

Check out the not-so-serious exchange below: