Tunisian and former world number two, Ons Jabeur overcame breathing issues and an asthma flare-up to secure a second-round victory at the Australian Open, defeating Colombia’s Camila Osorio 7-5, 6-3 at Melbourne Park.
The Tunisian, a three-time Grand Slam finalist was visibly distressed during the match, coughing and tapping her chest before leaving the court for medical attention after just three games.
“Very, very tough to breathe. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with asthma,” Jabeur explained. “I tried to use the inhaler, and it didn’t really help. So I was with the doctor, and we’re going to do more tests to see what’s going on.”
Despite her struggles, Jabeur managed to stay composed, acknowledging that losing the opening set would have made continuing “very difficult.” She apologized to her opponent for her behavior on the court, citing the condition as the cause of her unusual play style.
Jabeur, now ranked 39th after an injury-plagued 2024 season that sidelined her from the US Open and Paris Olympics, suggested her recent long break may have exacerbated her asthma symptoms. She returned to competitive action earlier this year and is determined to recover fully.
“I think having taken off a lot [of time] didn’t help. It provoked it even more,” she said. “I’m doing everything I can to feel better for the next round.” Jabeur will face American eighth seed, Emma Navarro next, who defeated China’s Wang Xiyu in a three-set thriller, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
