Ons Jabeur recently shared how she would react if her coach ever told her to stop playing drop shots, a signature element of her game. Known for her creativity and flair on the court, Jabeur’s unique style has left many of her opponents baffled by the variety of shots she executes, especially her drop shots.
This artistry has made the 30-year-old one of the most distinctive players on the WTA Tour, keeping her in the top 10 until injuries slowed her progress. As she looks to bounce back from a long-term shoulder issue in 2025, Jabeur remains a player to watch.
When asked how she would respond if her coach discouraged her from using drop shots, Jabeur didn’t hesitate to express her feelings. “I think I’ve been using variety in my game for a long time,” she said on the Nothing Major podcast. “That’s part of the reason it took me a while to transition from juniors to the pros. I had so many options in my game that I couldn’t always pick the right shot. But if a coach told me to stop playing drop shots, I’d fire them—that would kill my game.”
The drop shot is a rare and effective weapon on the tour, with players like Aryna Sabalenka recently adding it to their arsenal. However, for Jabeur, the drop shot has been a consistent and successful part of her game since she started competing.
Jabeur also praised ATP star Carlos Alcaraz for his exceptional drop shot, which he has used to great effect since breaking onto the tour in 2021. Jabeur jokingly claimed some credit for inspiring Alcaraz’s drop shot, saying, “He has a really good drop shot because he places it tactically, and you never know when it’s coming. But I like to say he got inspired by me!”
