Ons Jabeur reveals past losses led to Wimbledon defeat

Tunisia’s tennis star Ons Jabeur has admitted that one of the primary reasons for her defeat in Wimbledon’s third round was having sad memories while playing in the competition. The Third Grand Slam of the year is approaching the business end as the remaining players are giving their all to secure the ultimate prize.

Jabeur was one of the most high-profile player who was crashed out of the competition on Saturday as she suffered a surprising defeat to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 7-6. The Ksar Hellal-born star later talked to the media where she talked about a poor outing in a tournament where she has an impressive record.

Jabeur praised her opponent who according to her played a ‘great’ match’ but also admitted that heartbreaking defeats in the previous two competitions played a role as it was hard to overcome such results. The world number 10 also expressed optimism that she will return to the centre court next year and win more matches.

"Elina played a really great match,” she said. “I felt it was a solid match. Even though I feel like I didn't play my best, I tried to bounce back in the second set. I hope I can definitely learn from this match. It was a little bit difficult to remember last year. It brought back some sad memories. I will continue to love Centre Court and I hope to come back and win again.”

Jabeur ended on the wrong side of the results in the last two years, where she managed to cement a spot in the final of the mega-event. In 2022, she lost to the current world number four, Elena Rybakina, in the final with a score of 3–6, 6–2, 6–2. Last year, Jabeur once again came short in the grand finale at Wimbledon, where Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic came out on top in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-4.