Image: Ons Jabeur after practice at the 2023 US Open Por Hameltion – Obra do próprio, CC BY-SA 4.0, (Wikipedia)
By Staff Writer with Agencies
LONDON — In a heartbreaking turn of events at Wimbledon, two-time finalist Ons Jabeur was forced to retire from her first-round match against Viktoriya Tomova after struggling with severe health issues on court.
The match, which began on Court 14, was halted just 26 minutes into play when Jabeur, visibly distressed, called for a medical timeout. The Tunisian star, known for her resilience and fighting spirit, appeared troubled as she sat courtside, prompting medical staff to step in. They quickly took her blood pressure and checked her vitals before deciding she needed further medical attention.
Ons Jabeur retires from her match against Viktoriya Tomova at Wimbledon.
Awful to see this.
A 2-time Wimbledon finalist who’s had some of her most emotional times on a tennis court at this event.
She just can’t get her body healthy.
Hopefully better times are coming. 🇹🇳❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/He3xN9BmLY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 30, 2025
Despite initial attempts to resume play, Jabeur, who was trailing 7-6, 2-0, in the match, ultimately made the difficult decision to retire, unable to continue under the harsh conditions.
“I wasn’t expecting to feel this way,” Jabeur said in a statement after the match. “I’ve been practising well the last few days, but I guess these things happen. I’m sad. This doesn’t help with my confidence, especially after a tough season. But I hope I’ll feel better and we’ll see what happens next.”
The incident occurred in scorching heat, with the sun beating down on the court, making conditions even more challenging for Jabeur, who has battled injuries and setbacks throughout the year. After a 14-minute delay for medical assessment, Jabeur’s attempt to continue was met with further difficulty as her condition did not improve.
Wimbledon officials and the medical team were quick to act, prioritizing the athlete’s health and well-being. While Jabeur’s early exit shocked the crowd, her health remained the primary concern.
Jabeur’s retirement marks another setback in what has been a tough season for the world’s No. 6-ranked player. With high hopes after reaching two Wimbledon finals in the past, the 28-year-old will now focus on her recovery and plans.
“I just need to take care of myself and hopefully return stronger,” she added. “For now, I’m focusing on getting better.”
As the tennis world watches her recovery closely, fans and fellow players alike expressed their support for the beloved Tunisian, who has inspired many with her success and tenacity on the court.