Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur became emotionally overwhelmed before withdrawing from her opening match against Viktoriya Tomova on Monday.
The 30-year-old Tunisian was behind 7-6 (7/5), 2-0 when she ended her encounter with the Bulgarian at the All England Club.
Jabeur, who lost in the Wimbledon finals in 2022 and 2023, appeared to struggle throughout the match due to the intense heat in London. She wiped away her tears after a lengthy fifth game in the first set and took an extended medical timeout while staff assisted before she left the court.
“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good. I have been practising pretty well the last few days,” said Jabeur, who did not specify why she withdrew.
To manage the heat, Jabeur used ice towels frequently and ultimately returned to Court 14 after a 14-minute break, but could not complete the match.
The former world number two’s departure from Wimbledon marks the latest setback in a challenging period. The three-time Grand Slam finalist has seen her ranking drop over the last year due to injury issues.
Earlier this year, she faced breathing challenges in the second round of the Australian Open following an asthma complication.
