World Number 10 Announces Sad News for Australian Open 2022

The 2022 tennis season hasn’t started on an ideal note for Ons Jabeur. The 27-year-old was the losing quarter-finalist at last week’s Sydney Tennis Classic tournament, she lost to Anett Kontaveit. Jabeur had to retire mid-way from that match after losing the first set 6-4. Now, World Number 10 has made a shocking announcement before the Australian Open 2022.

After her withdrawal from the match, Jabeur had stated on Twitter that she was working hard to get ready for the Australian Open 2022. Evidently, the recovery didn’t go according to plan, and she has announced that she won’t be participating in the Happy Slam.

Ons Jabeur pulls out of Australian Open 2022

The Tunisian has pulled out of the Australian Open 2022 owing to a back injury, thus becoming the first WTA top 10 out of the Australian Open. The 27-year-old was seeded 9th at this year’s Australian Open. She was due to face Nuria Parrizas Diaz of Spain in the first round. However, following her withdrawal, Irina Bara of Romania has replaced her as the ‘lucky loser’.

In a statement on Twitter, Jabeur said that her back hadn’t healed in time after withdrawing from Sydney and that playing in such a condition could jeopardize her season.

The Tunisian, who reached a career-high ranking of 7 in women’s singles last year, has had a history of injury problems. An elbow injury forced her to end her brilliant 2021 season early. Her injury problems also forced her out of contention for the WTA Finals in 2021.

WATCH THIS STORY: Top Prize Money Earners in 2021 in Women’s Singles 

In 2021, the Tunisian won the Birmingham Classic besides having a consistent run in other tournaments. Her fantastic run in 2021 resulted in her becoming the first Arab player to reach the top 10 rankings in the world.

Her withdrawal from the opening Grand Slam of the season comes as a huge blow for the Tunisian, who was looking to maintain her momentum in the top 10. Can Ons Jabeur shed her injury concerns and make a comeback after the Australian Open? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘The Faster Courts Will Help Her’- Martina Navratilova Says Naomi Osaka Has Taken a Page Out of Serena Williams’ Book