Defending Madrid Open champion Ons Jabeur is out of the tournament due to a calf tear she sustained last week in Stuttgart.
Jabeur, ranked at No 4 in the world, suffered a calf injury in the Stuttgart semifinal against Iga Swiatek.
After receiving the scan results, Jabeur was diagnosed with a small calf tear.
As a result, Jabeur – who won her first WTA 1000 title in Madrid last year – won’t be able to defend her title.
“Hello from Madrid, an update on my situation. Further to many medical exams done, it shows that I have a small tear in my calf and I will need more time to recover. I am sad to announce that won’t be able to compete and defend my title this year at @mutuamadridopen. I would like to wish to everyone and the tournament a great event and looking forward to coming back next year,” Jabeur said in a message posted on her Twitter.
Hello everyone, an update on my situation @MutuaMadridOpen pic.twitter.com/Du04vH2uLU
ā Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) April 24, 2023
What happened to Jabeur in Stuttgart?
In the first game of the Stuttgart semifinal against Swiatek, Jabeur suffered a calf injury.
Jabeur received a medical timeout at the changeover after the first game.
Jabeur was able to play just two more games before retiring.
“The third point, I don’t know what happened. I was really excited to play Iga today, it’s always a fun match-up between us. I wish her the best luck for the final. I’m sorry guys, I really tried to run, but Iga never makes it easy,” Jabeur said.
Jabeur started crying and Swiatek came to comfort the Tunisian.
“I don’t know what Ons’ situation is, but I really respect the fact that she came out and she tried and she wanted to see how it’s going to go. I told her we’re probably going to play the Roland Garros final, so we’ll see each other there. She’s a fighter, so she’s going to be back quick. I just hope it’s nothing serious,” Swiatek said.
It remains to be seen if Jabeur will be able to return to action in Rome.