Ons Jabeur, the seventh-ranked player in the world, stunned Italian star Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 7-6 (5) last Thursday to reach the quarterfinals of the Bank of Communications Zhengzhou Open. Jabeur, however, declared immediately after their match that she would forfeit the tournament due to a knee injury, stating in a video, “My knee isn’t feeling great.”
Jabeur’s knee injury
The official X of the Zhengzhou Open made the announcement on Thursday evening, releasing a video in which the Tunisian three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur explained why she would be unable to attend the rest of her match at the tournament.
Unfortunately, after an amazing fight, @Ons_Jabeur is forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. 😔 Get well soon, Ons! We absolutely loved having you around! 🫶🏻❤️
Unfortunately, after an amazing fight, @Ons_Jabeur is forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. 😔
Get well soon, Ons! We absolutely loved having you around! 🫶🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/q9zrjSVUZt
— Zhengzhou Open (@ZhengzhouOpen) October 12, 2023
In the video, Jabeur dived straight into the announcement, saying, “Hi everyone, I’m so sorry that I have to withdraw because my knee is not feeling so great. And, I would just like to say that I loved my time here in Zhengzhou; hopefully I can come back next time.”
Fans expressed their concern for Jabeur in the comments section, stating that resting her knee was the right course of action and wishing her a speedy recovery. One fan said, “@thetennistalk1 mentioned this morning that Ons knee was heavily strapped. Good decision on Ons part to rest the knee.”
While another user added, “Sending my best wishes for a swift recovery to the incredible Ons! 💪 Your determination on the court is an inspiration, and we can’t wait to see you back in action. Get well soon and come back stronger than ever! 💫”
Ons Jabeur has withdrawn from Zhengzhou due to a knee injury.
“I’m sorry I have to withdraw. My knee isn’t feeling so great. I’d just like to say I loved my time in Zhengzhou..”
Hopefully she’ll be healthy in time for the WTA Finals.
Wishing her a speedy recovery. ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/mWQTF6dZsp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 12, 2023
Jabeur vs. Bronzetti
The game between Jabeur and Bronzetti lasted an hour and fifty-eight minutes, with Jabeur leading 6-3 in the first set. But in the second set, Bronzetti put her own skills to the test and refused to let Jabeur easily cruise over to victory. It took Jabeur five match points to finally end Bronzetti’s resistance, clinching the victory and advancing to the quarterfinals to face World No. 12 Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina.
But given the unfortunate circumstances, Jabeur is now off the final eight of the Zhengzhou Open, thus granting Kasatkina the advantage of a walkover into the semi-final, where she will take on French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Jabeur captures Ningbo Open title last month
Last month, Jabeur defeated 19-year-old Russian player Diane Shnaider at the Ningbo Open to win her fifth Hologic WTA Tour championship, triumphing impressively 6-2, 6-1. This victory marked Jabeur’s second title in 2023, as well as her first title on hard courts, according to the WTA tennis.
WTA: “First Hard-Court Title 💫@Ons_Jabeur defeats Shnaider to claim the crown in Ningbo, her 2nd this season and 5th overall!
#NingboOpen
First Hard-Court Title 💫@Ons_Jabeur defeats Shnaider to claim the crown in Ningbo, her 2nd this season and 5th overall!#NingboOpen pic.twitter.com/d65FECwG0A
— wta (@WTA) September 30, 2023
The photo above is from a YouTube screengrab