The 2023 Australian Open WTA draw got a little bit weaker with the departure of a two-time major finalist from 2022.
Ons Jabeur showed her qualities multiple times in 2022, and she wanted to continue also in 2023. However, after a shaky start at the first Grand Slam of the season, she lost already in the second round to a former Roland Garros finalist, Marketa Vondrousova.
The Tunisian didn't start her second-round match well. She was broken already in her first service game and couldn't create a chance break her opponent during the whole set. On the other hand, the Czech player could break the world no. 2 in every game, but she used only two break points to win the first set 6-1 in 25 minutes.
But Jabeur could fight back in the second set. She had a one-break lead a couple of times, but she got broken back on both occasions. Eventually, the Tunisian ended the second set with a string of seven consecutive points won to win it 7-5 and force a decider.
But once again, Vondrousova proved to be just too good for Jabeur. The Czech player showed a similar performance to the one in the first set, and despite not being able to finish the set 6-0 on her serve, Vondrousova broke every Jabeur's serve to win the match 6-1, 5-7, 6-1, and set up a third-round meeting with compatriot Linda Fruhvirtova.