How Ons Jabeur's psychologist became her 'lucky charm' on the road to success

Players’ boxes in tennis stadiums are getting more and more crowded these days.

Teams and entourages continue to expand but one notable – and perhaps most useful – addition has been the presence of sports psychologists as a crucial member of a player’s camp, travelling on tour with the rest of the coaching staff.

World No 1 Iga Swiatek has been the most prominent example and has spoken at length about the benefits of having her sports psychologist Daria Abramowicz accompanying her at most tournaments.

Men’s world No 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas said he was feeling “centred” and “in the zone” this week at the Caja Magica and when he was asked why, he pointed to his sports psychologist Kostas Pergantis, who was sat in his press conference at the back of the room.

Tunisian Ons Jabeur is also reaping the rewards of having her psychologist with her at events.

The world No 10 advanced to the biggest final of her career this week in Madrid with Frenchwoman Melanie Maillard in her corner.

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Maillard has been working with Jabeur since 2017, but most of the work they’ve been doing has been virtual. In the two events Maillard has been on-site, Jabeur made her maiden Wimbledon quarter-finals last year, before her impressive exploits in the Spanish capital this week.

“So everything goes to Melanie, of course,” Jabeur said with a laugh, paying credit to her psychologist.

“We discussed that from last year already that I need her with me for more tournaments obviously, because whether you like it or not, it's much easier than to speak to her virtually.

“I think to be here and she's here and I see her that she's in my box, it helps me a lot. Also, at the same time, all the hard work we did before