Ons Jabeur has promised to come back stronger after a devastating end to her Australian Open campaign.
On Thursday, second-seeded Jabeur suffered a 6-1 5-7 6-1 defeat to 86th-ranked Marketa Vondrousova in the Australian Open second round.
Jabeur, who revealed after the match that she had difficulties breathing during the match, was also spotted kneeling alone in the tunnel moments after her defeat.
“Despite the health issues, I will keep fighting and come back stronger and stronger. Time to recover and get healthier. Thank you All for your support. Thank you Australia. See you soon,” Jabeur wrote on Twitter.
Despite the health issues, I will keep fighting and come back stronger and stronger. Time to recover and get healthier. Thank you All for your support 🙏
Thank you Australia ❤️ See you soon! pic.twitter.com/Wl1FcArqL3— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 20, 2023
Jabeur gave credit to Vondrousova
After losing to Vondrousova, Jabeur delivered a short written message to the media.
In her message, Jabeur revealed she experienced difficulties breathing but also noted that Vondrousova deserved to win the match.
“I had a difficult time breathing. Not sure what’s happening. Marketa played a good match and deserved to win. I will do my best to come back stronger,” Jabeur said in a written message to the media after her defeat.
Meanwhile, Eurosport tennis expert Tim Henman said it was distressing to watch Jabeur’s depressing moment after her defeat.
“It’s distressing for everyone to see. She’s been out there on court giving it everything. She’s the No. 2 seed, she’s playing on the stadium court, it’s difficult conditions. Not only is it cold and heavy, but it’s also one o’clock in the morning there. It’s just so unfortunate she’s gone out in these circumstances but we all wish her well and if she isn’t feeling her best, she makes a swift recovery,” Henman told Eurosport.
Jabeur, who made two Grand Slam finals last year, came to the Australian Open with a knee injury.
Battling a knee injury and difficulties breathing proved to be too much to overcome for Jabeur.
It remains to be seen how will Jabeur bounce back after a devastating end to her Australian Open run.