WTA Berlin: Coco Gauff Refuses to Accept Victory Over Ailing Ons Jabeur in an Empathic Ode to the Tunisian

What can be more satisfying than winning over a tough competitor in a crucial match? For many, perhaps nothing comes close. However, Coco Gauff has once again shown why she is not just a champion on the court but a true sportswoman at heart. In a thrilling encounter against Ons Jabeur, Gauff demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship by refusing to accept her latest win. “I wish…”

After an enticing first-round win against Ekaterina Alexandrova (7-6(6), 6-2), Coco Gauff set up a repeat of the French Open quarterfinal against the Tunisian. Jabeur herself reached the Berlin quarterfinal after winning a three-set thriller against Linda Noskova. As the familiar foes kicked off their eighth encounter, it was shaping up to be another Gauff-Jabeur classic. But it couldn’t go past the first set.

In an epic first set where they both held serve throughout to take it to a tiebreak, they traded set points in the seven-point shootout. In the end, Coco Gauff sealed the set on her 8th set-point opportunity, winning the tiebreak 11-9. However, while everyone expected the entertainment, drama, and high-quality tennis to continue, Jabeur called for the trainer at the change of ends. And after an assessment, she retired from the match due to illness, handing the 20-year-old a 6th victory in their head-to-head.

As Ons Jabeur left the court, Gauff showed precisely why she’s such a great sportswoman. In the post-match interview, the American lauded her opponent. “It doesn’t feel like a win,” she admitted. “Especially because we had such a great first set. I wish Ons the best. I think it’s something that’s just gonna happen today, and she’ll feel better tomorrow.” She further predicted that the Tunisian player would keep up her usual form at the grass-court Grand Slam. “I think she’ll be strong at Wimbledon.” That said, this defeat was also surprising for the 29-year-old, seeing as grass is arguably her strongest surface.

Speaking ahead of her match against the American, Jabeur sent a warning to her. Known for her “crazy shots,” lots of spins, backhand slices, low-speed returns, and drop shots, Jabeur believed she could bother Gauff in the match, especially after a strong clay swing this year. “I always say the more matches I play on clay, the more physically better [I get] and easier the grass season is for me.” Now that Gauff has proceeded to the semifinals, up next is one of her best friends on tour, Jessica Pegula.

As for Jabeur, her retirement from the tournament added to the growing list of withdrawals due to injury and illness at the German capital. Aryna Sabalenka retired from her match against Anna Kalinskaya when she was 1-5 down in the first set. Earlier in the week, reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from their Round of 16 and quarterfinal matches, respectively. It’s important to note that Jabeur’s decision came after the Tunisian decided to skip the Paris Olympics to avoid any risk of injury, joining Sabalenka on that list.

The 29-year-old announced on her social media accounts, “After consulting with my medical team regarding attending to the Olympics in Paris, we have decided that the quick change of surface and the body’s adaptation required would put my knee at risk and jeopardize the rest of my season.” She underwent a right knee surgery last year. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in the 2024 Olympics,” she concluded.

Considering this, though, Ons Jabeur’s withdrawal due to illness in Berlin has raised questions about her participation in Wimbledon. 

‘I can play really good…’: Ons Jabeur makes her plan for Wimbledon clear

Ons Jabeur is optimistic about her campaign at Wimbledon. While she faced two consecutive defeats in the finals of the tournament in 2022 and 2023, she is vying for a win at the 2024 edition. In an interview that featured on WTAtennis.com, Jabeur highlighted her resilience.

“Learning from experience, you can play very bad and then make the final at Wimbledon like what happened last year.” While the Tunisian was not the favorite of many, she advanced to the finals of the prestigious tournament. Even though she lost to Marketa Vondrousova in 2023, her determination was not shattered. “And I can play really good and win the tournament and still make the final as well (as in 2022).”

While Ons Jabeur’s never-say-die spirit has helped her immensely, it will be interesting to see if her injuries pose any trouble for the tennis star. For Jabeur, the task will not only be improving her skills but remaining healthy throughout the tournament in London. And, of course, making the most of her opportunities.