Nicolas Jarry Overcomes Health Struggles as He Advances to Fourth Round at Wimbledon

The All England Club and Wimbledon 2025

The All England Club is set to host Wimbledon from June 30 to July 13, 2025, with comprehensive coverage available on BBC platforms including television, radio, and online streaming via BBC iPlayer, Red Button, and mobile apps.

Nicolas Jarry’s Remarkable Journey

Chilean tennis player Nicolas Jarry, currently ranked 143rd in the world, is celebrating a remarkable personal achievement by advancing to the fourth round of Wimbledon, overcoming significant health challenges related to his eyesight. Jarry’s journey has been emotional as he shares this milestone with his family, leading into a pivotal match against Cameron Norrie, the final British competitor in the men’s singles, on a likely passionately supportive Court One this Sunday.

Health Challenges and Recovery

Just over a year prior, Jarry faced a serious medical crisis when he awoke unable to keep his eyes open due to a severe case of vestibular neuritis. This illness, characterized by the inflammation of the nerve linking the inner ear to the brain, led to severe vertigo and dizziness that disrupted his vision and ability to balance. Recalling the distress of that moment, Jarry shared on BBC 5 Live,

“I was trying to type on my phone but couldn’t see properly because everything was spinning. I started crying immediately. Losing something so fundamental to my life felt devastating.”

At his peak, Jarry was celebrated for his progress in tennis, ranking within the top 20 worldwide and reaching the final at the Rome Masters only to be defeated by top player Alexander Zverev. Despite being told his recovery would take only three weeks, he continues to experience episodes of dizziness. His career suffered as he slipped down the rankings and faced a series of first-round exits at six consecutive Grand Slam tournaments.

Overcoming Adversity

During his struggles, he recalled feeling as if

“everything was moving like a tornado”

during his match at the Rome tournament, but both the sensation and his performance subsequently improved. However, similar experiences haunted him at the French Open, inhibiting his ability to connect with the ball and effectively read the game’s flow before he retreated home to Chile, where he endured what he describes as the worst episode of his condition to date.

To aid in his recovery, Jarry has turned to table tennis, incorporating this practice as a method to regain hand-eye coordination. His recent performance at Wimbledon serves as a promising sign and a boost to his morale. After winning against young prodigy Joao Fonseca in an emotional four-set match, Jarry expressed his joy, stating,

“It’s amazing to showcase my best performance here at Wimbledon, my most cherished tournament.”

A Special Connection to Wimbledon

This tournament holds special significance for Jarry, as his grandfather Jaime Fillol reached the same fourth-round stage in 1974. Reflecting on his past visits to Wimbledon, Jarry reminisced,

“I came here with him when I was 10 and 11 years old. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with this tournament. It’s been an incredibly tough journey physically, emotionally, and psychologically, but I am determined to regain my former level of play and confidence.”