LONDON — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made a dominant return to Wimbledon on Tuesday, cruising past Emina Bektas in straight sets, while two-time finalist Ons Jabeur suffered a heartbreaking retirement due to illness on a scorching day at the All England Club.
Sabalenka’s Commanding Start
Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, showcased her trademark power and precision in a 6-2, 6-3 victory over American qualifier Bektas. The Belarusian, who missed last year’s tournament due to political tensions, fired 29 winners and broke serve five times in a match that lasted just over an hour. "It’s always special to play here," Sabalenka said afterward. "I missed the grass so much, and I’m happy to be back with a win."
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Sabalenka acknowledged room for improvement, particularly on her serve, where she faced six break points. "I need to work on my consistency, especially in the second week," she admitted. Her next opponent will be 19-year-old Czech qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova, who won her opener in three sets.
Jabeur’s Emotional Exit
In stark contrast, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, a fan favorite and 2022-23 Wimbledon runner-up, retired mid-match against Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima while trailing 3-6, 0-3. The 29-year-old, visibly struggling with dizziness and fatigue, received medical attention before tearfully shaking the umpire’s hand. "My body just couldn’t handle it today," Jabeur said in a post-match press conference, her voice trembling. "I’ve been sick for days, and the heat made it unbearable. I’m devastated."
Jabeur’s early exit marks another setback in a challenging season for the former world No. 2, who has battled injuries and form fluctuations. Her retirement sparked concern among fans and peers, with Sabalenka tweeting: "Heartbroken for Ons. She’s one of the toughest competitors out there—wishing her a speedy recovery."
Key Factors in Jabeur’s Struggle
Tournament doctors later confirmed Jabeur had been suffering from a viral infection exacerbated by the 30°C (86°F) heat. Analysts noted several contributing factors:
- Recent workload: Jabeur played a grueling clay-court season, including a deep run at Roland Garros.
- Grass transition: Unlike Sabalenka, she opted out of warm-up tournaments, arriving underprepared.
- Health history: The Tunisian has previously withdrawn from events due to respiratory issues.
Other Notable Results
Elsewhere on Day 2, fourth seed Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion, survived a scare against Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, rallying to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Meanwhile, American sensation Coco Gauff breezed past Caroline Dolehide 6-1, 6-2 in just 55 minutes, declaring herself "ready to go all the way" after early exits in previous years.
The men’s draw saw defending champion Carlos Alcaraz open with a straight-sets win over Mark Lajal, while Andy Murray’s farewell campaign began with a doubles victory alongside brother Jamie. The Scot, who withdrew from singles due to back surgery, received a standing ovation on Court 1.
Looking Ahead
As temperatures are expected to remain high, tournament organizers have activated their extreme weather policy, allowing additional breaks during matches. Sabalenka, when asked about the conditions, shrugged: "I’ll play in a sauna if I have to—nothing will stop me from winning this title." Her confidence contrasts sharply with the uncertainty surrounding Jabeur’s season, though the Tunisian vowed to return stronger: "This isn’t the end. I’ll fight back."
With Sabalenka’s power game perfectly suited to grass and Jabeur’s absence leaving the bottom half open, Wimbledon’s narrative has taken an early dramatic turn. As the first round concludes Wednesday, all eyes will be on how the remaining contenders adapt to the sweltering conditions.