Ons Jabeur was seen coughing and clutching her chest before slumping into the chair. She then broke down in tears and left the court for medical attention.

A bad bout of asthma nearly derailed the comeback of former world No 2 Ons Jabeur at the Australian Open on Thursday, with the Tunisian saying she found it hard to breathe and nearly gave up in her second-round victory.

'When I was younger, I was diagnosed with asthma, so having taken off a lot didn't help. I think it provoked it even more.'

Ons Jabeur wiped away tears as she left the court for medical treatment but later returned to secure victory, despite struggling to perform at her best.