Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur faced a frightening moment during her Australian Open second-round match against Camila Osorio on Thursday, suffering a mid-match asthma attack that left her on the verge of retirement. Despite the health scare, the former world No. 2 fought through the adversity and secured a 7-5, 6-3 victory.
A Distressing Scene on Court
Jabeur had just taken a 2-1 lead in the first set when she began visibly struggling, coughing, clutching her chest, and crying. The alarming scene prompted immediate concern, and a doctor was called to assist her. However, the medical intervention took place off the court, and after a short break, Jabeur decided to continue the match.
Later, the three-time Grand Slam finalist revealed that she had suffered from breathing difficulties and tried using an inhaler, but it provided little relief. She admitted that she felt for Osorio, explaining that she didn’t want her condition to be a distraction or impact the match unfairly.
Jabeur: “It Was Very Tough to Breathe”
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 30-year-old opened up about the ordeal.
“Very, very tough to breathe. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with asthma,” Jabeur said.
“I tried to use the inhaler, and it didn’t really help. So I was with the doctor, and let’s see. We’re going to do some more tests and see what’s going on.”
Given her breathing difficulties, Jabeur had to adjust her playing style, avoiding long rallies. This was particularly challenging as Osorio is known for her ability to engage in extended exchanges. Jabeur acknowledged this, saying:
“Not the best opponent when you are in this condition, but I apologized at the end of the match, because I really don’t want to behave like this on the court.”
The Tunisian also admitted that if she had lost the first set, she would have likely retired from the match, as it would have been “very difficult to continue.”
Looking Ahead: A Tough Test Against Emma Navarro
If Jabeur is fit to compete on Saturday, she will face No. 8 seed Emma Navarro in the third round. The two have met only once before, with Jabeur winning 6-3, 6-2 in Charleston in 2022. However, Navarro has since transformed into a Grand Slam semifinalist and a top-10 player, making her a formidable challenge.
Jabeur’s primary concern now is ensuring she does not experience further breathing issues against the 2024 US Open semifinalist. As she undergoes medical tests to determine the cause of her struggles, her resilience and determination remain unquestionable. If she is cleared to play, fans can expect a thrilling battle between two highly skilled competitors.
