Ons Jabeur and Iga Swiatek played only three games on the clay in Stuttgart, for the semifinal of the tournament. The match was valid for the semifinals of the German tournament and would have given away a place in the final scheduled for yesterday.
Unfortunately the match only lasted 17 minutes. The Tunisian, after a few games, started to have problems with her left leg. The world number 4 asked for a medical timeout, she had her calf treated and bandaged after chasing the ball during the final point of the first game.
The 28-year-old stoically played two more games, but after a consultation with the physio, Jabeur decided to withdraw from the match in order not to further aggravate the injury. The hug between the two at the net was moving.
The Pole showed great sportsmanship, first consoling her, then, later. her sitting next to her, to give her further comfort. A gesture of great humanity, by the number one, particularly appreciated by the audience in the stands.
Iga explained: “I don’t know what Ons’ situation is, but I really respect the fact that she went out, rehearsed and wanted to see how it would go.
I told her that we will probably play the Roland Garros final, so we will see you there. She’s a fighter, so she’ll be back soon. I just hope it’s nothing serious.” Shortly after, she was interested in updating her fans on her condition and explaining what had happened: “The third point, I don’t know what happened.
I was really excited to play against Iga today, it’s always a fun match between us. The I wish the best of luck for the final. Sorry guys, I really tried to race, but Iga never makes it easy.” About the tournament, Aryna Sabalenka beats Anastasia Potapova, one of the players in the best shape of the last few weeks, with a 6-1, 6-2 and gives herself the final of the German WTA 500. The 2023 Australian Open champion will face rested Iga Swiatek.
