Cover Stars: Ons Jabeur, Alexander Zverev grace fashion magazines

FLASHBACK: Alexander Zverev defeats Novak Djokovic in the 2022 World Tennis League

Two of tennis’ biggest stars, Ons Jabeur and Alexander Zverev, are taking center stage in the fashion world too, after landing on the covers of Vogue Arabia and L’Officiel during the 2023 pre-season.

Tunisia’s Jabeur has been a trailblazer for the Middle East and North African region throughout her career and rise to the top of women’s tennis. It all culminated in a historic 2022 season that saw her become the first and only Muslim and Arab player ever to reach a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon and the US Open.

‘Now a national hero in her home country, the Tunisian tennis pro serves as a symbol of a new Arabia, blossoming with fresh possibilities,’ writes Vogue Arabia’s Nitya Chablani, announcing the publication’s January 2023 cover star.

“I know that more kids in Tunisia now believe they could have a professional tennis career. Before, there wasn’t a clear picture of what that looks like,” Jabeur told Vogue Arabia. “Now there is hope in the young generation.

“Even just seeing that more people in Tunisia are playing tennis for fun—these are great victories.”

And while the ATP Tour’s belated investigation into Zverev’s domestic abuse allegations remains open and ongoing since October 2021, the German is already celebrating “a new era” as he graced the cover of French fashion magazine L’Officiel.

In a shoot that took place at the Monte Carlo Country Club, Zverev is seen decked out in Prada, Hermes and Dior and holding his mother’s dogs as he poses for the lens of fashion photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti.

But even in the perfectly picturesque setting, Zverev reportedly made sure nothing was out of place—not even one framed photograph of rival Stefanos Tsitsipas, one of the many portraits that adorned the club’s locker room.

‘Upon entering the room, he rushes towards the back wall, takes down the photo of Tsitsipas and hides it behind the counter, on the left. The message is clear,’ recalls journalist Oscar Coop-Phane in L'Officiel's cover story narrative.

Zverev, a former world No. 2, will be back on court representing Germany at the United Cup in Australia, his first professional event since suffering a gruesome ankle injury at the French Open in June. Jabeur will be the top seed at the 500-level Adelaide International 1 and the second seed at the Adelaide International 2.

Both players are also scheduled to compete at the Australian Open, which will take place 16–29 January 2023.