Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has comforted and encouraged Ons Jabeur after her heartbreaking three-set defeat in the Wimbledon final against Elena Rybakina.
Winning Wimbledon was a major goal for Jabeur this year. In fact, the Tunisian predicted she would win the title at SW19 in an interview with the WTA at the start of the season.
After the first set of the Wimbledon final, it seemed like that prediction would become a reality. Jabeur won it 6-3, meaning she was just one set away from lifting the title in front of a crowd that gave her vocal support.
Unfortunately for Jabeur and her supporters, Rybakina stopped those celebrations. The Kazakhstani stormed back to win the final two sets 6-2, 6-2, and win her first Grand Slam title.
Jabeur was understandably devastated after the defeat. The Tunisian was so close to becoming the first African player to secure the Wimbledon title, and falling at the final hurdle was a bitter pill for her to swallow.
Hopefully, the 27-year-old realizes how many people she inspired during her time at SW19. That was Azarenka's message in a social media post she shared after the women's Wimbledon final.
"One of the best things that happened to tennis is Ons Jabeur keep shining and sharing your light with the world! Biggest inspiration to so many!!!"
These kind words from Azarenka could offer some comfort to Jabeur. The Wimbledon runner-up is known for being one of the most affable players in tennis, so it is no surprise to see her fellow players offer encouraging words.
Jabeyr reaching her first Grand Slam final is still a superb achievement and represents progress. She will hope to build on that momentum during the upcoming North American hardcourt season and try and take the final step at the US Open.
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