LONDON, June 30, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur 
broke down in tears before retiring from her first-round match against 
Viktoriya Tomova on Monday.

Tunisia's Jabeur was trailing 7-6 (7/5), 2-0 when she brought a premature end 
to her clash with the Bulgarian world number 111 at the All England Club. 

The 30-year-old, beaten in the 2022 and 2023 Wimbledon finals, looked 
uncomfortable throughout the match in sweltering temperatures in London.

The world number 59 wiped away tears after losing a long fifth game in the 
first set and took a lengthy medical timeout, with staff attending to her 
before taking her off court.

Jabeur, who repeatedly used ice towels in a bid to cope with the heat, 
eventually returned to Court 14 after a 14-minute delay, but was unable to 
finish the match.

"I wasn't expecting not to feel good. I have been practising pretty well the 
last few days," said Jabeur, who did not specify the reason for her 
withdrawal.

"These things happen. I'm pretty sad. It doesn't really help me with my 
confidence."

The former world number two's Wimbledon exit was the latest blow in a 
disappointing spell.

Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam runner-up, has slipped down the rankings over 
the past year after injury problems.

Earlier this year she had breathing difficulties in the Australian Open 
second round after suffering an asthma problem.

"I keep pushing myself even though it was a very tough season for me, so I 
hope I can feel better and see what is going to happen," she said.

"Try to disconnect a little bit from tennis and try to enjoy life outside 
tennis.

"Try to recover and spend time with the family. Hopefully that can recharge 
me. Definitely rest is the word for it."