The Melbourne Grand Slam has been Jabeur’s least successful major, with her only appearance beyond the third round coming when she reached the quarter-finals in 2020.

Jabeur lost in last year’s second round to Marketa Vondrousova, who also handed her a painful surprise defeat in her second Wimbledon final in July.

A meeting with Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who beat American Bernarda Pera 7-5 6-2, awaits Jabeur next as she pursues a first Grand Slam triumph, having also been the 2022 US Open runner-up.

“Last year wasn’t so great here,” reflected Jabeur, praising the loyalty of her supporters on Margaret Court Arena.

“I had some guys cheering for me from 2016, when I was playing qualifying, and holding [signs].

“They’ve been following me since qualifying, so that’s really something.”

Despite Jabeur’s affection for Australia, the world number six’s schedule has afforded her little time to explore her surroundings.

“I’m a very bad tourist,” said the 29-year-old. “When I retire from tennis I will find plenty of time to go around Melbourne but for now, basically, my life is hotels.

“I’ve been enjoying the restaurant because I love food.”