Ons Jabeur in tearful apology after devastating move against Iga Swiatek
The World No.1 showed class after her opponent's tough act.
Ons Jabeur has made a tearful apology to the crowd after she was forced to retire due to injury in her match against Iga Swiatek at the Stuttgart Open. Jabeur has been enjoying her best run since returning from injury having made the final in Charlestown last week.
She followed it up with a solid run as she took on World No.1 Swiatek in the semi-final in Stuttgart. However, the Tunisian looked out of sorts when she took to the court and quickly fell behind 3-0.
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Jabeur was clearly in pain and at she didn't emerge from the bench as she broke down in tears after she was forced to retire. Swiatek showed her class and went over to check on Jabeur as she cut a solemn figure having just returned to form after her Australian Open injury.
And in a classy act, Jabeur took to the microphone to apologise to the crowd and explain why she was forced to retire. "The third point, I don't know what happened," Jabeur said.
"I was really excited to play Iga today, it's always a fun matchup between us. I wish her the best luck for the final. "I'm sorry guys, I really tried to run, but Iga never makes it easy."
Swiatek was full of praise for her opponent after attempting to give fans and herself a chance, despite struggling with the injury. "I don't know what Ons' situation is, but I really respect the fact that she came out and she tried and she wanted to see how it's going to go," Swiatek said.
"I told her we're probably going to play the Roland Garros final, so we'll see each other there. She's a fighter, so she's going to be back quick. I just hope it's nothing serious."
Fans were left equally heartbroken at the scenes and wished Jabeur the best after just finding her form again.
Deeply sad that I was unable to continue the match today. Thank you everyone for your love and support it really means a lot to me โค๏ธ I will be running tests and do everything I can to come back soon ๐๐ผ #TeamOJ pic.twitter.com/SDS7uJ4xyy
โ Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) April 22, 2023
Iga Swiatek on Ons Jabeur's injury in Stuttgart:
"I really respect the fact that she came out and she tried. I told her we're probably going to play the Roland Garros Final, so we'll see each other there. She's a fighter..." ๐ฅนโค pic.twitter.com/XoC8iNGUMdโ The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 22, 2023
What spirit!
โ Mirjana Hrgovcic (@TetaMiki2) April 22, 2023
Iga Swiatek comforting Ons Jabeur after she had to retire due to injury.
Iga later tells the crowd that she told Ons they will probably play in the Roland Garros Final โค pic.twitter.com/aBbjk8p6ucโ The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 22, 2023
Heartbreaking for you but wishing you a speedy recovery and hope to see you on court soon! All the best.
โ Kirst (@KirstyEkua) April 22, 2023
Iga Swiatek reaches another WTA final
Swiatek will now face Aryna Sabalenka in the final with the Belarusian winning their last meet at the WTA Finals. The Polish star holds a 4-2 record against Sabalenka and will be looking to make history.
The 21-year-old is looking to become the first player since Angelique Keber in 2016 to defend the Stuttgart Open. "Aryna is a great player and she's in great shape," Swiatek said.
"I have to be ready to play my best tennis. For sure, this surface is โ we both like clay court โ but it's a little bit faster than most of the clay courts. I'm gonna have to be ready on my return and just for the fast pace."
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