Ons Jabeur, a 30-year-old tennis sensation, is on a determined mission to reclaim her position at the pinnacle of women's tennis. The former world number two has faced a challenging year, slipping to 39th in the rankings due to persistent fitness issues. Last year, she endured a series of setbacks, including missing major tournaments like the US Open and the Paris Olympics due to an unfortunate shoulder injury. Despite these hurdles, Jabeur remains resolute in her quest to become the first African and Arab woman to secure a major title.
Her journey back to form encountered another obstacle on Thursday when she struggled with asthma during a match, leaving her visibly tearful. This health challenge has been a recurring issue for Jabeur, though she rarely discusses it publicly. In a display of resilience, she managed to clinch victory against Camila Osorio with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-3, setting up a clash with American eighth seed Emma Navarro in the next round.
“I don’t want to be greedy just after coming back from an injury. Sometimes I get angry because I feel like I’m getting back there, but every time something happens.” – Ons Jabeur
Jabeur's career boasts impressive achievements, including being a three-time Grand Slam finalist and twice a Wimbledon runner-up. She also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2020. However, the road back to her former glory has been fraught with challenges, particularly her recent shoulder injury that cast doubt on her future in the sport.
The Tunisian player's determination shines through as she continues to manage her health issues with unwavering focus. Her battle with asthma, which intensified in recent days, adds another layer of complexity to her comeback.
“We will have to manage, you know, like we always do,” – Ons Jabeur
“I think I will have to find a way to feel better the next two days, which I am hoping to do because this started kind of two days or three days ago. I feel like it got worse for some reason.” – Ons Jabeur
As Jabeur prepares for her upcoming match against Navarro, she remains optimistic about finding solutions to improve her condition. Her resilience and determination have become defining attributes of her career, as she seeks to overcome not only physical obstacles but also the mental strain of her ongoing challenges.
