‘Rally for the Mind’ Event Launched by Former Wimbledon Finalists

Ons Jabeur cannot stifle her laughter as she walks out onto the court, picking up the baton from Matteo Berrettini, and the rainclouds which blighted the Italian vanished in place of sun.

‘I’m Tunisian man!’ Jabeur teases.

The two former Wimbledon finalists are part of a star-studded cast of tennis superstars assembled by Asics on their purpose-built court on Place de la République.

Along with British No 2 Harriet Dart, Croatia’s Borna Coric and Aussie star Alex De Minaur, among others, the pair have put their Grand Slam preparations on hold for Asics’ first ever ‘Rally for the Mind’ event.

Mental health is a pertinent issue both in tennis and in society more generally; conversations are now much more open and drives to deliver change and now taking centre stage.

Ons Jabeur (left, middle) and Matteo Berrettini (left, right) helped launch a new pop-up court aimed at improving mental health in central Paris as part of a link-up with Asics

Aussie star – and boyfriend to Katie Boulter – Alex De Minaur (left) was also on hand to play

In France, one in four people struggle with mental health issues and armed with the knowledge, via a YouGov study, that 88 per cent of Parisians believe in the positive impact of physical exercise on their mental health, some of tennis’ biggest stars braved the rain to play a part days out from the second slam of the year.

‘Sport helps a healthy mind and, for sure, the younger generation we want them to feel happy and dream big,’ Jabeur said.

‘I hope one day I can help them realise that and hopefully with Asics we can do something like this for sure.’

‘I do believe sport is very, very important (for mental health),’ she continued, following a brief rallying session with some eager locals.

‘People think we have a lot of pressure playing this sport but for me it’s my happy place. I always say the tennis court is my happy place, where I go to feel free and show I can do anything I want.

‘I encourage everyone to definitely do more sport. It’s proven scientifically that it’s great for the mind and me I would encourage it. It gives you a better character, a better personality and makes you a better person.’

Jabeur’s origin story with the sport was more to do with her mum being eager to tire her out before bed-time.

‘I wasn’t very nice as a kid when I was young, I was doing a lot of troublemaking!

‘I was swimming and playing tennis at the time and my mum’s goal was for me to go to sleep at night so putting all the energy into the court.

‘I was honestly a happy kid because I was playing sports so I wish that for everyone.’

Jabeur, and British No 2 Harriet Dart (right), enjoyed some rallies with local young players

The Rally for the Mind event also saw local officials take the chance for an impromptu rally

The court, which is going to be moved around Paris as part of a partnership with city officials, is drawing quite a crowd when word gets out about the stars en route.

There are a few winces when the rain makes it slightly hazardous for players in action just days later but the re-emergence of the sun in time for the arrivals of Jabeur, De Minaur and Dart proves welcome relief for organisers.

‘In this year of sport in Paris, we are thrilled to bring to life the next phase of our partnership with Asics, giving Parisians the opportunity to feel the positive mental benefits of tennis,’ said Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of sports, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the River Seine.

A few keepy-ups and selfies later and Jabeur is gone, ready to prepare for her match on Monday, but the message was clear: whether you’re the world No 9 or a local player, there are few better places to let off steam than on the court.

Ons Jabeur was speaking at Asics‘ Rally of the Mind event in central Paris