SUMMARY
- Ons Jabeur crashed out of the Abu Dhabi Open in the quarterfinals.
- The Tunisian player had everyone concerned when she broke into a pool of tears during the second set.
Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur is one of the most popular players on and off the court. Jabeur possesses remarkable skills with a racket, and her tenacity is second to none. However, she has been struggling of late, and she broke down into a puddle of tears during her match against Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Jabeur is popularly known as the ‘Minister of Happiness’ by her countrymen for her ability to spread cheer. Ons carries happiness with her wherever she goes, which is why seeing her cry inconsolably halfway through the match was concerning, to say the least.
Jabeur looked out of sorts against the Brazilian, who defeated her 6-3, 6-4, in straight sets. Beatriz broke her once in the first set to clinch the opener. As she was ready to serve at 3-4 during the second set, Jabeur baffled everyone when she started sobbing.
Ons Jabeur has tears in her eyes in this 2nd set against Beatriz Haddad Maia
Not sure if she’s dealing with something physical or if it’s something else.
Never want to see this.
Hopefully Ons is alright. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/xQKNkg8bs0
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 9, 2024
It was a heartbreaking sight, but the crowd at the Stadium of Zayed Sports City International Tennis Centre rallied behind her. Jabeur’s coach, Issam Jellali, and her husband, Karim Kamoun, also cheered her on.
It could have been due to discomfort or an injury, as Jabeur slapped her right thigh a few times during the match. As of now, it is just speculation, but if Ons was injured, it was not enough to make her retire. Fans hope it is not an injury, though, which will be a huge blow.
She puts a lot of pressure on herself,hopefully it’s not an injury.
— Omamuzo (@MamZees) February 9, 2024
Ons Jabeur has been struggling for a while now. She has crashed out of tournaments early and has failed to replicate her Wimbledon run.
Woes chasing Ons Jabeur
The troubles do not seem to end for the Tunisian player. Ons is one of the most delightful players to watch when she gets going, but her performances have been irregular. Barring the title victory at the Ningbo Open, Jabeur has not performed up to her own standards.
Ons has spoken about some of her struggles since she lost to Marketa Vondrousova in the Wimbledon final. While she has made it to the quarterfinals at some of the events, her victories did not come easily. Jabeur’s performance at the Australian Open was forgettable, as Mirra Andreeva ousted her in the second round.
A star is born 🌟
16-year-old Mirra Andreeva stuns No. 6 seed Jabeur 6-0 6-2 to reach the third round!#AusOpen • @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/l71yoKhOXw
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 17, 2024
Ons defeated Emma Raducanu comprehensively in the second round at the Abu Dhabi Open. However, she looked uncomfortable from the start against Haddad Maia.
The season is long, and Ons Jabeur will hope to find her rhythm as early as possible. February will see many events, including two WTA 1000 tournaments. Jabeur is set to compete at both of them.
