Ons Jabeur is hardly able to calm down after the final against Marketa Vondroušová. The Tunisian concedes the next bitter defeat in her career – and very shortly before the finish line.
There she stood, crying bitter tears. Ons Jabeur was inconsolable at the presentation ceremony after the Wimbledon women’s final on Saturday. The 28-year-old had just lost 4:6, 4:6 to Marketa Vondroušová of the Czech Republic and only now realised the magnitude of her defeat. Even Duchess Kate – the Princess of Wales presented the trophies at the award ceremony – was of little comfort to the Tunisian.
The defeat was dramatic for Jabeur in more ways than one: she had more in her game, she squandered a 4:2 lead in the first set and was already 3:1 up in the second. It was not enough, Vondroušová managed to turn both sets around – also because Jabeur simply allowed herself too many mistakes and lack of concentration in the decisive moments.
“We will make it one day “
And all in all, a black streak continues for her – the 28-year-old has now lost her third Majors final. Jabeur had already reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, when Yelena Rybakina was too strong – although Jabeur won the first set 6:3, Rybakina also turned the match around and won the next two sets 6:2 each, securing the title.
Jabeur also had no luck in the final of the US Open 2022, losing clearly 2:6, 6:7 to Iga Świątek. And her third attempt at a Grand Slam title was not crowned with success either. Yet she could go on to make history: Jabeur would be the first Grand Slam winner from Africa.
She still has this goal in mind. Because she does not want to give up. “We will make it one day. I promise you that,” she said addressing her team in the stands.
