Ons Jabeur, who became the first Arab or African woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final last week, was honoured by Tunisian President Kais Saied on Thursday for "her remarkable sporting successes".
The 27-year-old fell just short in her quest for a maiden Grand Slam, losing Saturday's Wimbledon women's final to Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
On presenting her with an Order of Sports Merit, Saied hailed Jabeur for raising "high the country's flag in international sporting events" and described her as "the ambassador of Tunisia".
"Congratulations for this success and future successes."
Jabeur, nicknamed "Minister of Happiness" by fans in Tunisia, said she hoped to inspire other Arab and African players to succeed at tennis.
"We want to give more hope to the young people who watch us. We hope to continue this momentum. We are proud to be Tunisians and we will continue with this success story," she said.
Jabeur was greeted by hundreds of fans when she made her way out of the Tunis-Carthage International Airport in the capital of Tunis on Thursday. She is the highest-ranked African or Arab player, male or female, in history after entering Wimbledon ranked No 2 by the WTA.
She is the first Arab to win a WTA Tour title - achieved in Birmingham last summer - and the first to win a Masters tournament when she lifted the Madrid trophy in May.
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Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur holds a bouquet as she arrives in Tunis. Jabeur recently lost against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in the women's singles final of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London. AP -
Jabeur kisses the Tunisian flag at Tunis airport. Tunisians have remained enthralled with the tennis star, celebrating her presence in the prestigious Wimbledon final despite her loss. AP -
Jabeur poses for a selfie with fans as she arrives at Tunis airport. AP -
Jabeur is greeted as she arrives at Tunis airport. AP -
Jabeur poses for a photo with fans outside Carthage International Airport in Tunis. Reuters -
Jabeur with fans outside Carthage International Airport. Reuters -
Supporters take selfies with Jabeur upon her return to Tunis after Wimbeldon. AFP -
Jabeur talks to the media. Reuters -
Jabeur with fans outside Carthage International Airport. Reuters -
Jabeur with supporters. EPA -
Jabeur gives the thumbs-up to supporters upon her return to Tunisia after Wimbledon. AFP -
Jabeur greets supporters in Tunis. EPA
