Two-time finalist Jabeur was preparing for a breakthrough in the Grand Slam tournament

World number two Ons Jabeur said on Saturday that his 2022 Grand Slam final pairings have only fueled his desire to finally lift a big trophy.

The Tunisian Adelaide International top seed lost in three sets to Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon last July and then reached the US Open title match two months later to Iga Swiatek.

He said he wanted to take his game to the top of the podium, starting with the Australian Open in January.

“I was ready to win this year (2022) but it didn’t happen,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can to win a Grand Slam. I’m just going to go for it.

“This year 2023 is just about being free and playing my game. I’m glad I got the experience of two Grand Slam finals.”

Jabeur, the first Arab woman in the WTA top 10, said she and her team worked in the off-season to fine-tune her powerful game.

“We’ve worked really hard to improve a lot of things, we’re more aware of my game,” he said.

“I feel like this year is going to be very special for me. I gave it my all, I worked hard in practice and I’m hitting the ball well.”

And the 28-year-old said the notorious Australian summer weather would not be a problem for him.

“I’m from Tunisia and I’m used to hot weather – that’s a good thing,” he said.

“The most important thing is to be prepared, hydrate better and do (your) routine for hot weather.”

Jabeur will open a first-round bye in Adelaide against the winner of Romania’s Sorana Cirstea and after qualifying.