Under-the-weather fifth seed Ons Jabeur needed a doctor’s visit and a blood pressure check on her way to a laboured 7-5, 7-6 (4) opening win on Tuesday over Camila Osorio to reach the second round of the US Open.
The Tunisian who was feeling poorly with illness in what turned into a two-hour test, needed to claim a tiebreaker to hold off her feisty Colombian opponent,
Jabeur was also serenaded by fans a day after her 29th birthday.
Last year’s runner-up here who also also lost the last two Wimbledon finals , admitted she suffered on her way to victory.
“It was not easy,” the winner said. “She plays unbelievable and I was not feeling my best today.
“At some points in the match I didn’t have the best attitude. She could see I was tired and tried to make me run even more.”
But the winner added: “”I’m glad I got the win and showed myself I can push and do better.”
Jabeur said she apologised to her defeated opponent at the net for the distraction of calling for the tournament doctor at one of her low points.
Jabeur was unable to wrap p the win on one of her two match points while leading a set and 5-3.
The struggle was finally decided in the tiebreaker as Jabeur came through on her third match point as Osorio netted.
American No. 1 Jessica Pegula began her home campaign 6-2, 6-2 over Italian Camila Giorgi, with the winner surviving a marathon game at 2-all in the second set.
This month’s Montreal winner improved to 28-8 this season on cement.
“We’re all hoping to hit top form at the Grand Slams,” she said. “But tennis is so day-to-day.
“You just try to get through the first few rounds and try to get better with each match.”
Former semi-finalist Elina Svitolina pounded German Anna-Lena Friedsam 6-3, 6-1 in less than an hour. 2017 finalist Madison Keys advanced over Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus 6-2, 6-4 in 96 minutes with 20 winners and 19 unforced errors.
“I knew what I had to do. I’ve played her several times this year already, a lot of times throughout my career,” Svitolina said.
“But sometimes it depends as well on how you’re playing and how she’s playing.
“I think I was able to kind of execute what I wanted to do.”
Britain’s No. 61 Katie Boulter won her third Grand Slam match of the season, reaching the second round 6-4, 6-0 over Diane Parry of France.
2021 Canadian finalist Leylah Fernandez was put out by Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-4. Compatriot Rebecca Marino also lost, ending Canadian participation in singles at this edition.
Main photo:- An exhausted and under the weather Ons Jabeur (TUN) battles to victory over Camila Osorio – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
