Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon finalist, made a heartbreaking exit from Wimbledon 2025 after retiring from her first-round match against Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova. The emotional moment unfolded on a sweltering opening day at the All England Club, marking another setback in what has been a challenging season for the former world No. 2.
A Sudden and Emotional End for Jabeur
Jabeur, known for her creativity and resilience on grass, began her campaign with high hopes. However, early in the first set, she started to struggle physically. After just 26 minutes of play, she called for a medical timeout, during which she was visibly distressed, hiding her face in a towel as medical staff checked her vitals and blood pressure.
Despite the discomfort, Jabeur returned to the court and fought bravely, pushing the first set into a tiebreak. She even held a 5-4 lead in the breaker, but Tomova ultimately clinched the set 7-6 (7-5). As the second set began, Jabeur quickly fell behind 2-0 before making the difficult decision to retire, tears streaming down her face as she shook hands with her opponent.
Jabeur’s Statement and Season Struggles
After the match, Jabeur expressed her disappointment:
“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good. I have been practicing pretty well the last few days. But I guess these things happen. I’m pretty sad. Doesn’t really help me with my confidence and what I keep pushing myself to do even though it was a very tough season for me. I hope I can feel better.”
Jabeur has battled a series of injuries over the past year, including a shoulder injury that ended her 2024 season prematurely and a leg muscle strain earlier this year. She was also eliminated in the first round of the French Open, with her best result this season being a quarterfinal run in Doha.
Match Recap: Key Moments
- Opponent: Viktoriya Tomova (Bulgaria)
- Score at Retirement: Tomova led 7-6 (7-5), 2-0
- Medical Timeout: Taken at 3-2 in the first set
- Duration: 1 hour, 25 minutes on court
- Conditions: Temperatures approached 30°C, adding to the physical challenge
Jabeur tallied 21 winners but also 41 unforced errors, while Tomova broke her serve four times.
Wimbledon History and Legacy
Ons Jabeur has a special connection with Wimbledon, having reached the finals in both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, she lost to Elena Rybakina, and in 2023, she was defeated by Markéta Vondroušová. She also reached the 2022 US Open final, making her one of the most accomplished Arab and African players in tennis history.
What’s Next for Jabeur?
Jabeur indicated she plans to take some time away from tennis to rest and recover, spending time with her family and reassessing her path forward. Her fans and the tennis world will be hoping for a strong comeback from one of the sport’s most beloved personalities.
Viktoriya Tomova Advances
With Jabeur’s retirement, Viktoriya Tomova moves on to the second round, where she will face Britain’s Sonay Kartal.
FAQs: Ons Jabeur Retires at Wimbledon 2025
Q1: Why did Ons Jabeur retire from her Wimbledon 2025 match?
A1: Jabeur retired due to physical difficulties, including breathing issues and distress, during her first-round match against Viktoriya Tomova.
Q2: What was the score when Ons Jabeur retired?
A2: She was trailing Viktoriya Tomova 7-6 (7-5), 2-0 in the second set.
Q3: Has Ons Jabeur won Wimbledon before?
A3: No, Jabeur has reached the Wimbledon finals twice (2022, 2023) but has not yet won the championship.
Q4: What injuries has Jabeur faced recently?
A4: Jabeur has struggled with a shoulder injury that ended her 2024 season and a leg muscle strain earlier in 2025.
Q5: Who will Viktoriya Tomova play next?
A5: Tomova advances to face Britain’s Sonay Kartal in the second round.
Conclusion
Ons Jabeur’s retirement from Wimbledon 2025 is a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional demands of elite tennis. Her courage and sportsmanship, even in adversity, continue to inspire fans worldwide. As she takes time to recover, the tennis community will eagerly await her return to the Grand Slam stage.
