Ons Jabeur left distraught as Wimbledon run ends with another final defeat – ‘Most painful loss of my career’

A distraught Ons Jabeur described her second straight Wimbledon final defeat as “the most painful loss of my career” but vowed to return and lift the trophy in the future.

The sixth seed was aiming to become the first African or Arab woman to win a Grand Slam singles title and avenge her defeat to Elena Rybakina in last year’s final.

Jabeur’s wait for a Slam triumph goes on following her two near-misses at Wimbledon and a loss in the US Open final last year, and she was left in tears on court after the match.

“It will be tough to speak because this is very tough,” Jabeur began.

“I am going to look ugly in the photos so that’s not going to help. I think this is the most painful loss of my career.”

Jabeur is regarded as one of the most popular players on tour and has been a fan favourite over the last two weeks at the All England Club.

She took out four former major winners in Bianca Andreescu, Petra Kvitova, Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka to reach the final, but was undone at the final hurdle.

“I want to say congratulations to Marketa and her team for this amazing tournament. You’re an amazing player,” Jabeur added.

“I know you have had a lot of injuries, so I am very happy for you.

“It’s going to be a tough day for me today. I’m not going to give up. I’m going to come back stronger and win a Grand Slam one day.

“It was an amazing tournament for me. I wished I continued to the end. I want to thank my team for always believing in me.

“We are going to make it one day, I promise you.

“Thank you for coming, cheering for me, the energy is amazing from day one at Wimbledon. I appreciate your support. It’s been a tough journey but that’s tennis.

“I promise I will come back one day and win this tournament.”

– – –