Could Persistent Injuries End Ons Jabeur’s Hopes of a Grand Slam Title?

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 at this year’s Australian Open, where she also struggled with respiratory issues amid extreme heat.A fan favourite and former World No. 2, Jabeur has become a cherished figure at Wimbledon, reaching the finals in both 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 her career, playing style, her injury struggles, and what lies ahead for the Tunisian.

Tennis Career So Far

Ons Jabeur turned pro in 2010. She reached the finals of the Junior Girls at the French Open in 2010 and then again in 2011, where she won the trophy. Her stint on the WTA Tour began in 2017. Jabeur reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal 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 when she won her biggest trophy – 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. Jabeur also reached the French Open quarterfinals in consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. However, after the 2024 French Open, things took a downward trajectory with declining results due to recurrent injuries and a loss of form.

Jabeur’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. Jabeur has exceptional mastery of drop shots, slices, and volleys. She 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 she has been a crowd favourite wherever she plays.

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Recent Injury Woes

The 30-year-old Tunisian has been battling injury concerns since the start of the 2024 season. 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 forced to retire during her quarterfinal encounter against Coco Gauff at the Berlin Open. Illness caused further concern as she eventually withdrew from both Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics. After a first-round loss to Naomi Osaka at the 2024 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 withdrawals from several tournaments throughout the year.

Jabeur hoped to start the 2025 season positively, but leg problems have impacted her performances, as injuries threaten to ruin her year yet again. She had to retire at 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—raising further concerns over her future. As a result, Jabeur has now dropped outside of the Top 50 in the 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 now seen her Grand Slam aspirations slip further out of reach. Despite coming agonizingly close on three occasions, Jabeur has yet to capture that elusive major title.

Known more for her creative flair and touch than for athleticism, Jabeur 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 declining.
The toll has been evident in her recent performances—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 linger about whether she can rediscover her previous form.

At this stage, winning a Grand Slam feels like a fading dream. Unless something extraordinary happens, it would take nothing short of a miracle for Ons Jabeur to finally lift that long-awaited major trophy.