By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, February 9, 2024
The Minister of Happiness shared sadness on court today.
Ons Jabeur shed tears on court during her 6-3, 6-4 Abu Dhabi quarterfinal loss to Beatriz Haddad Maia.
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The Tunisian came out of a changeover, leading 4-3 in the second set and showed signs of emotional distress as she prepared to return Haddad Maia's serve. She fought back tears through most of the game, as Haddad Maia held at love.
It's unclear at this point if physical pain provoked Jabeur's tears or if she was suffering from an emotional issue.
The second-seeded Jabeur regained her composure down the stretch of her quarterfinal loss, but dropped the final three games to the Brazilian southpaw.
Jabeur, beloved in Abu Dhabi, was given a proper sendoff as she exited the court
It was Haddad Maia's first Top 10 win since the 2023 Roland Garros when she beat No. 7 Jabeur 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 to reach her maiden major semifinal in Paris.
Two-time Wimbledon finalist Jabeur was coming off one of her best performances of the season.
A masterful Jabeur ripped 35 winners dismantling Emma Raducanu 6-4, 6-1 in her Abu Dhabi opener on Wednesday.
Hopefully, Jabeur, who seemed to be in good spirits earlier in the week engaging with Abu Dhabi fans, will feel better.