Two-Time Wimbledon Finalist Ons Jabeur Retires Mid-Match Due to Breathing Difficulties

Ons Jabeur, the two-time Wimbledon finalist, retired during her 2025 first-round match against Viktoriya Tomova due to difficulty breathing amid sweltering heat. Despite practicing well ahead of the tournament, Jabeur, who has battled asthma and recent physical injuries including a shoulder injury in 2024 and leg strain in 2025, was visibly overwhelmed and took a lengthy medical timeout before retiring while trailing in the second set. Ranked 59th after a difficult season, Jabeur expressed sadness over her withdrawal and emphasized the need for rest, both physical and emotional, to recover and regain confidence. This early exit marks another setback in a challenging period for the former world No. 2, who has struggled with health issues and a decline in rankings. She plans to disconnect from tennis for a while to focus on recovery and spending time with family, hoping to recharge for future competition. The incident highlights the ongoing impact of health struggles on her career and the mental resilience required to attempt a comeback.