Could persistent injuries end Ons Jabeur’s hopes of a Grand Slam title?

Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur was forced to bid an emotional farewell to her beloved SW19 in just under 90 minutes, retiring from her opening-round match due to breathing difficulties.

The Tunisian star was trailing 7–6 (5), 2–0 against World No. 111 Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria when she had to withdraw. Jabeur, who took a lengthy medical timeout during the first set, appeared visibly distressed and tearful throughout.

This heartbreaking exit echoes a similar episode that occurred at the Australian Open earlier this year, where Jabeur also struggled with respiratory issues amid extreme heat. A fan favourite and former World No. 2, the 30-year-old has become a cherished figure at Wimbledon, having reached the final in 2022 and 2023. Despite high expectations, she fell just short on both occasions, prolonging her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title. She was also a finalist at the 2022 US Open, where she lost to Iga Swiatek.

Here, we look at Jabeur’s career, playing style, injury struggles, and what lies ahead for her.

Career so far

Ons Jabeur turned pro in 2010. She reached the final of the Junior Girls’ event at the French Open in 2010 and then again in 2011, this time winning the trophy. Her stint on the WTA Tour began in 2017, and her first Grand Slam quarter-final appearance arrived at the 2020 Australian Open — a feat she repeated at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships.

Jabeur went on to win her first WTA Tour title in 2021 at the Birmingham Classic. She took massive strides forward in 2022 by winning her biggest trophy to date — the Mutua Madrid Open (a WTA 1000 Masters tournament) — followed by consecutive Wimbledon final appearances in 2022 and 2023, a US Open final in 2022, and a rise to World No. 2 in the rankings. Jabeur also reached the French Open quarter-finals in consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. However, after the 2024 French Open, things took a downward trajectory, with recurrent injuries and a loss of form leading to a steep decline in performance.

The veteran Tunisian’s playing style isn’t similar to most players on the WTA Tour. She possesses finesse, touch, and creativity, as opposed to the more athletic and power-based game of many of her peers. She has exceptional mastery of drop shots, slices, and volleys and has often pulled off unbelievable drop shots even from the baseline. She not only plays to win, but also entertains audiences with her flair and wizardry — another reason why she’s a crowd favourite wherever she plays.

Also read: Is Daniil Medvedev’s career in decline?

Recent injury woes

Jabeur has been battling injury concerns since the start of last year. In September 2024, she withdrew from the rest of the season, citing a persistent shoulder injury — a decision made in consultation with her medical team.

Earlier in the year, she was sidelined by a recurring right knee problem that had previously required surgery. This forced her to pull out of major tournaments, including the WTA 1000 event in Dubai. She was also forced to retire during her quarter-final encounter against Coco Gauff at the Berlin Open, while illness caused further concern as she withdrew from both Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics. After a first-round loss to Naomi Osaka at the Canadian Open, she withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, the Washington Open, and the US Open without taking to the court. Her ranking plummeted from No. 6 to No. 22 due to these withdrawals throughout the year.

Jabeur hoped to start the 2025 season positively, but leg problems have impacted her performances, with injuries threatening to ruin her year yet again. She had to retire from the Miami Open with a leg strain in the second round. The most recent setback came at Wimbledon, where she had to retire due to breathing difficulties, raised further concerns over her future. Jabeur has now dropped outside of the top 50 in the WTA rankings.

Conclusion

Over the past 18 months, Ons Jabeur has endured a difficult stretch marked by recurring injuries and mounting setbacks. The 30-year-old Tunisian star, once on the brink of making history, has been seeing her Grand Slam aspirations slip further out of reach. Despite coming agonisingly close on three occasions, Jabeur has yet to capture that elusive Grand Slam title.

Known more for her creative flair and touch than her athleticism, Jabeur has brought a refreshing style to the women’s game. But in the brutal world of professional tennis, sustained success without peak physical fitness is nearly impossible. Sadly, rather than improving, her condition appears to be worsening. The toll has been evident in her recent performances, which have been marked by inconsistency, early exits, and visible struggles on court.

As the sport continues to evolve, with an influx of younger, more powerful players dominating the tour, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for players of Jabeur’s ilk to keep up. Beyond the physical challenges, there are growing signs that the mental strain is also weighing heavily on her. A loss of confidence and motivation often accompanies long injury layoffs, and Jabeur seems to be caught in that cycle. Even if she manages a full recovery, questions will linger about her ability to rediscover her previous form.

At this stage, winning a Grand Slam feels like a fading dream. It would take nothing short of a miracle for Ons Jabeur to finally lift one of the much-awaited trophies.