Sixth-seed Ons Jabeur has now lost back-to-back Wimbledon finals (Picture: Reuters)
Ons Jabeur was forced to fight back tears and labelled her Wimbledon final defeat to Marketa Vondrousova as the most painful loss of her entire career.
Jabeur was attempting to become the first African Grand Slam women’s singles champion in history but Vondrousova secured a stunning 6-4 6-4 victory.
It means the Tunisian has now lost back-to-back Wimbledon finals on Centre Court after a runner-up finish to Elena Rybakina last year.
Jabeur, star of Netflix tennis show Break Point, was also looking to become the first Arab player to win a Grand Slam across both men’s and women’s tennis – but could not get past world No.42 Vondrousova – who made history herself by becoming Wimbledon’s first unseeded champion in women’s singles.
Jabeur was in floods of tears after losing her second successive Wimbledon final and told the crowd: ‘It will be tough to speak because this is very tough.
‘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.
‘First I want to say congratulations to Marketa and her team for this amazing tournament. You’re an amazing player.
‘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.’
Jabeur is huge in Tunisia and across Africa but has a big following across the world, winning over fans with her grace and ability on the court as well as her shiny personality off it.
The 28-year-old paid tribute to SW19 spectators as she added: ‘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.’
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‘This is very tough…’
