Jabeur Overcomes Breathing Issues For Win At Australian Open

Ons Jabeur was in tears after experiencing breathing problems three games into her Australian Open match against Camila Osorio but the Tunisian braved it out to book her spot in the third round on Thursday.

The former world number two has slipped to 39th amid fitness issues and was forced out of several tournaments last year including the US Open with shoulder trouble and the Paris Olympics due to concerns over her knee.

Jabeur ended her season in September and only returned to action at the start of 2025. She said the long spell away had left her vulnerable to asthma-related problems.

When I was younger, I was diagnosed with asthma, so having taken off a lot didnt help. I think it provoked it even more, she told reporters after her 7-5 6-3 win over the Colombian.

A routine win had seemed improbable when the three-times Grand Slam runner-up slumped to her chair, coughing as she tapped her chest, after going 2-1 up in the opening set.