Wimbledon 2024: Aryna Sabalenka Throws Expletive on Ons Jabeur for Stealing Her Luck in Hilarious Banter

"Minister of Happiness"- is what Ons Jabeur is fondly referred to. However, that is an off-the-court scenario, as on the court, her shots do not administer happiness to her opponents. This would be the fourth year in the quest for the Wimbledon title for the Tunisian. Hence, she would be anything but easy as she appeared during the practice on the center court with the World No.3 Aryna Sabalenka. They engaged in a warmup while indulging in friendly banter, updating their memories and some expletives. This would be Jabeur's fourth attempt at the Grass Court title. After being runner-up for two consecutive years and a quarterfinal exit before that. The Tunisian is certainly not looking for another heartbreak this year. However, before beginning an intense campaign at Wimbledon, she was seen hitting winners with the Australian Open champion, Sabalenka. But that's the half story. According to the recent update from the Wimbledon Center Court, the two players were seen exchanging interesting words about their draw this year and past encounters. The moderator present with the stars led the charge of whether they were aware of their first-round opponent or not. It was a big no from the Belarusian, as she said, "I've no idea!" A common practice among the players is to avoid pressure early on. Moreover, Sabalenka and Jabeur would be on the opposite side of the draw. They won't be playing with each other in the quarter-finals. While Sabalenka seemed happy about it, as she exclaimed, "Thank god. The last year's result is not gonna happen again then." As this increases, the probability of both players getting a fighting chance at the title. This did not happen last year, when Jabeur crushed Sabalenka in the semi-finals to set up the last clash with Marketa Vondrousova. However, Jabeur had something in mind in response to Sabalenka's worry. She said, "Aw. But you love the two years before when you beat me in the court." That was not all. Behind her playful smile, the Tunisian was hiding a secret, which led to Sabalenka throwing expletives in response. She opened up about their quarter-final match, 3 years back, when Sabalenka defeated Jabeur. She said. "Didn't wanna shake my hand before the match, I just did like this, and you were super stressed." It's customary for opponents to shake hands, however, both the players were reluctant. Instead of a proper handshake, Jabur just enacted a small wave thing.

Paula Badosa, Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur

Taken aback, Sabalenka had just one response to this "You stole my luck b**ch." In response to this, Jabeur highlighted the fact that it was the Belarusian who beat her, not the other way around. This calmed Sabalenka, as she not only agreed to hand a handshake but also to a hug after their potential clash at the Wimbledon 2024! However, chances of Sabalenka making it to the title fight are very bleak with her recent revelation of the rare injury that could threaten her career.

Aryna Sabalenka's downplays her chances of being a strong contender at the Wimbledon

Fears of tennis fans may come true if the recent updates about Sabalenka's fitness are to be believed. The tennis star withdrew from the Berlin Open within 15 minutes. Instead of pushing herself, she opted to rest and recover. And the reason is out in the open for this decision of hers. Sabalenka has injured a specific muscle in her shoulder that not only threatens her Grass court campaign but also her tennis career. Moreover, she is only the third player in tennis history to suffer from such a specific muscle injury. And if her words are to be believed, "there is always a chance" that it would be difficult for World No. 3 to make it past the 1st round. Such a heart-wrenching tale, from hunger to win on the grass, it turned into making it through the first round. Hopefully, with technology and the best possible treatment, luck will favor Sabalenka to return to her full health sooner rather than later!