After a promising return from injury, Ons Jabeur couldn’t sustain her momentum, crashing out of the Adelaide International in the round-of-16 with a disappointing straight-sets loss to Yulia Putintseva. The three-time Grand Slam finalist struggled with her serve and consistency, leading to a 6-2, 6-4 defeat in just over an hour.
From Dominance to Defeat: What Went Wrong for Jabeur?
Jabeur, who marked her comeback with an impressive win over Danielle Collins in the previous round, entered her match against Putintseva with a 3-0 head-to-head record. However, the Tunisian star was far from her best:
- First-Serve Woes: Jabeur landed just 59% of her first serves and won only 33% of points on her second serve, leaving her vulnerable on critical points.
- Break Point Struggles: The former world No. 2 faced 11 break points and surrendered her serve four times.
- Uncharacteristic Errors: Known for her creativity and precision, Jabeur couldn’t find her rhythm, allowing Putintseva to dictate play.
Putintseva’s Path to Victory
Putintseva capitalized on Jabeur’s off day with a clinical performance:
- Fast Start: The world No. 25 raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set after breaking Jabeur twice. Although she dropped one break, Putintseva quickly regained control to take the set.
- Early Break in the Second Set: Putintseva broke Jabeur in the opening game of the second set, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.
- Composed Finish: Despite missing a match point on Jabeur’s serve in the ninth game, Putintseva served out the match confidently in the 10th game.
What’s Next for Jabeur and Putintseva?
- Ons Jabeur: After cutting her 2024 season short due to a shoulder injury, Jabeur’s inconsistency in Adelaide raises concerns about her readiness for the Australian Open. She’ll need to regroup quickly to contend at the season’s first Grand Slam.
- Yulia Putintseva: Riding high after her first career victory over Jabeur, Putintseva advances to the quarterfinals, where she’ll face No. 6 seed Diana Shnaider.
A Setback, But Not the End
While Jabeur’s early exit is a setback, it’s a reminder of the challenges players face when returning from injury. Fans will hope to see the Tunisian star regain her top form as the season progresses, starting with Melbourne.