Ons Jabeur Forced to Retire From Wimbledon Opener Due to Breathing Difficulties

LONDON -- Two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur retired during her first-round match Monday because of difficulty breathing, the latest issue for her during an injury-filled season.

Jabeur, a 30-year-old from Tunisia, quit playing while trailing Viktoriya Tomova 7-6 (5), 2-0.

Jabeur was visited by a trainer for a medical timeout in the first set. At one point, she sat on her sideline seat and cried into a towel.

"I wasn't expecting not to feel good. I have been practicing pretty well the last few days. But I guess these things happen," Jabeur said. "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."

She lost to Elena Rybakina in the 2022 final and to Marketa Vondrousova in the 2023 final. Jabeur also was a finalist at the 2022 US Open, losing to Iga Swiatek.

Jabeur's 2024 season ended early because of a shoulder injury and she's dealt with leg problems this year.