National Bank Open loses another star as Ons Jabeur drops out

Ons Jabeur hasn’t played in a tournament since she lost in the finals of Wimbledon. The match would have been excruciating for most players trying to win their first Grand Slam. After a strong run to the final, Jabeur seemed to fall apartin a 6-4 6-4 loss to Markéta Vondroušová.

What made it worse for tennis fans is that Ons Jabeur appears to be likable and relatable. We want her to win a major as much for us as we do for her. She seems like one of us regular common folk.

So seeing her lose the way she did at Wimbledon, after being a heavy favorite heading into her third Grand Slam final in the last six majors, was difficult. She was slated to return at the National Bank Open (AKA the Canadian Open – thanks, sponsorship!) which begins on September 5th with the main draw starting on September 7th. But that isn’t going to happen.

Ons Jabeur withdraws from the National Bank Open

Citing a knee injury, Jabeur withdrew from the Canadian Open this week. She is the second big name to drop out of the tournament as ATP number 2 and all-time men’s Grand Slam leader Novak Djokovic withdrew previously due to fatigue concerns. Of course, both Jabeur and Djokovic are experienced enough players to not need a hard-court warm-up to the US Open that starts at the end of August, but both players could have another reason for withdrawing from the Canadian Open: Mental stress.

I might also add that both Djokovic and Jabeur were the runners-up at Wimbledon and playing through a major final and then losing the way both players did can be taxing. Djokovic, however, has nothing more to prove, of course. If he never plays again, he would be considered one of the greatest players ever.

Jabeur still needs to prove she can get over the proverbial hump of winning a major. We want her to win one, of course. So let’s just hope whatever is going on with her knee is minor and she’s ready to win the US Open.