The British embassy in Tunisia said it would investigate after Tunisian Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur said family members did not have visas to watch her play in Saturday's women's final.
Jabeur, the first African and the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final in the modern era, was quoted by the BBC as saying her brother Hatem would “hopefully be there” to watch her.
The visa issue had threatened to break out into a controversy but Jabeur then elaborated there were no visa issues for her relatives because they had not applied for them.
On Friday, her comments sparked a reaction at the embassy.
She told the BBC: “But unfortunately the other members of my family don't have visas. It will be tough for them but they will be cheering for me back home.”
On its official Twitter feed, the British embassy in Tunis said it was cheering Jabeur on.
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Elena Rybakina after beating Ons Jabeur in the Wimbledon final at the All England Club on Saturday, July 9, 2022. AP -
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina alongside Ons Jabeur. PA -
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan celebrates after her victory over Tunisia's Ons Jabeur. Getty -
Ons Jabeur with the runners-up trophy. PA -
Tunisia's Ons Jabeur after the match. AP -
Elena Rybakina after beating Ons Jabeur. PA -
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina celebrates winning a point. AP -
A frustrated Ons Jabeur. AFP -
Elena Rybakina plays a backhand against Ons Jabeur. Getty -
A frustrated Ons Jabeur during the second set. Reuters -
Ons Jabeur throws her racket after losing a point. AFP -
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina celebrates winning a point. AP -
A general view of Centre Court. Getty -
Elena Rybakina plays a shot against Ons Jabeur. AFP -
Ons Jabeur in action against Elena Rybakina. PA -
Ons Jabeur stretched for a return. Reuters -
Elena Rybakina serves during the final. PA -
Ons Jabeur celebrates during the first set. PA -
Elena Rybakina plays a forehand against Ons Jabeur. Getty -
Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur before the match. Reuters
“We're sorry to hear that your parents and sister aren't able to be there to support you, and we will look into what happened,” it said.
Jabeur lost the match to Russian-born Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
She then clarified that her parents had not applied for a visa because there was not enough time.
“UK and Tunisia are good,” she laughed. “Good relationships.”
