Ons Jabeur's Wimbledon campaign ended in heartbreak as the two-time finalist was forced to retire from her opening match against Bulgaria's Viktoriya Tomova on Monday morning.
The Tunisian star lasted less than thirty minutes on court before health concerns forced her withdrawal.
The incident occurred as temperatures at SW19 reached 29C by 11.30am, with forecasts predicting highs of 33C throughout the day.
Jabeur had been trailing 3-2 in the first set when a medical timeout was called.
Ons Jabeur's Wimbledon campaign ended in heartbreak as the two-time finalist was forced to retire from her opening match against Bulgaria's Viktoriya Tomova on Monday morning
BBC
The world No 10's retirement marks her first opening-round exit at the Championships since 2019, dealing a devastating blow to her hopes of finally capturing an elusive Grand Slam title.
The 29-year-old was visibly distressed during the stoppage, breaking down in tears whilst awaiting medical assistance. Medical staff conducted blood pressure checks before she left the court for treatment.
Following a 14-minute delay, during which Tomova remained on court to stay warm, Jabeur attempted to continue.
Wimbledon star Ons Jabeur attempted to play on before withdrawing from the tournament
PA
Despite returning after having her vitals examined, she struggled to compete effectively.
The Bulgarian claimed the opening set in a tiebreak before Jabeur's condition deteriorated further. Just two games into the second set, with Tomova leading 2-0, the Tunisian was unable to continue and retired from the match.
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Her withdrawal handed Tomova a walkover victory and progression to face British No 3 Sonay Kartal in the next round.
Jabeur's retirement represents another painful chapter in her pursuit of Grand Slam glory. The 29-year-old reached consecutive Wimbledon finals in 2022 and 2023 but fell short on both occasions.
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In 2022, she faced Elena Rybakina in the championship match. Despite winning the first set 6-3, the Kazakh player mounted a comeback to triumph 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Jabeur returned to the final 12 months later but suffered a straight-sets defeat to Marketa Vondrousova.
Wimbledon star Ons Jabeur walks off the court after being forced to withdraw
PA
Her Grand Slam heartbreak extended beyond SW19, as she also finished runner-up at the 2022 US Open, losing to Iga Swiatek.
The Tunisian star remains without a major title despite reaching three Grand Slam finals in her career.
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