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Ons Jabeur paid a very beautiful tribute to Anett Kontaveit in Tallinn and wished the Estonian "the happiest of life." On Saturday, three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur beat Kontaveit 6-4 4-6 10-7 in the Estonian's farewell match in Tallinn.
Kontaveit, 27, ended her pro tennis career after this year's Wimbledon due to a chronic back issue. Jabeur, 29, enjoyed her stay in Tallinn and she made sure to show major appreciation to Kontaveit and everyone who took part in the Estonian's farewell match. "I want to thank Anett for picking me as her leave competitor, but I am still trying to encourage her to return to the professionals.
Even if the audience was clearly on Anett's side, I am overjoyed to be in Tallinn for the first time, and the crowd was fantastic. If you ever host a competition here, maybe I'll come back and Anett will coach me. I would like to thank Anett for welcoming me to her lovely country and I wish her the happiest of life.
I am hoping to see you around and that you're still willing to coach me. Thank you for all of those lovely moments on the court!" Jabeur said after the match.
Jabeur tried to convince Kontaveit to resume her career
Before Kontaveit announced in June that she would be retiring from pro tennis after Wimbledon, she told about her decision to Jabeur and some other players.
When Jabeur learned about Kontaveit's decision, she revealed that she tried to convince the former world No 2 to change her mind. But Kontaveit made up her mind and there was no coming back. However, Kontaveit said it was "very sweet" to see Jabeur and other players not wanting her to retire.
After struggling with a back injury in late 2022 and also at the start of 2023, Kontaveit took an injury break in February. Kontaveit returned two months later and appeared in just four tournaments before retiring. Recently, Kontaveit said retiring was "the right thing to do" considering her back condition.