Fans at this year's US Open will not witness Ons Jabeur's variety and shot-making after the Tunisian withdrew from the tournament with an injury.
More than 12 months have passed since Jabeur's Wimbledon final defeat to Marketa Vondrousova, who also withdrew from the US Open with an injury. Her issue required surgery, meaning it could be some time before the Czech returns.
Unfortunately, Jabeur has struggled since her third Grand Slam final loss. It was also the second time she had ended as the Wimbledon runner-up, which is especially tough for her since winning at SW19 is her dream.
Jabeur's only final appearance since losing in London was at a WTA-250 event in Ningbo, China, where she beat Diana Shnaider to secure the title. She has not come close to challenging for a Grand Slam or WTA-1000 crown in the last 12 months.
Consistent injury issues have not helped the 29-year-old's difficulties. Jabeur has managed a knee problem throughout 2024, consistently playing her matches with her knee strapped up.
Concerns about her knee led Jabeur to withdraw from the Olympics at Roland-Garros. It was a tough decision for the proud Tunisian, but she felt switching surfaces from grass to clay and then back to hard courts could lead to an injury.
Sadly, Jabeur could not avoid any injuries during her North American hard court season, leading to her withdrawal from the main draw of the US Open, which begins on Monday.
Jabeur withdrew from the US Open due to a shoulder injury. The problem arose in the early stages of the North American hard court season, leading to her withdrawal from the Citi DC Open.
The 2022 US Open runner-up played Naomi Osaka at the Canadian Open, but she struggled visibly throughout that match. She has not competed at any tournaments since Osaka demolished her 3-6, 1-6.
Jabeur announced the disappointing news on Instagram. Despite her sadness at missing the year's final Grand Slam, the woman nicknamed the "minister of happiness" tried to stay optimistic about the situation.
"I am truly sad to announce that my shoulder won’t recover in time for the US Open. I feel I need to give 100 % and today its not possible yet. Life has ups and downs, but sometimes in the very negative moments we all need to find the positive in it. This year has been very tough for me, but I know somewhere the light is there."
The Tunisian also expressed her gratitude to her millions of fans for their support. She asked those considering questioning her choices to have some kindness instead.
"If you are reading this post and wanting to wish me a speedy recovery, I truly appreciate it and cherish it , And if you are here to question my choices and my team, please find a little kindness in your heart because you don’t know what I have been going through for all these years. I promise once I get my strength back I will come back stronger."