Tunisian tennis star and former world number two, Ons Jabeur, has announced a temporary break from professional tennis to focus on her well-being after what she described as “two challenging years” on the tour.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the 30-year-old three-time Grand Slam finalist said she was taking time off to heal, reflect, and prioritize her personal happiness.
“For the last two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges. But deep down, I haven’t felt really happy on the court for some time now,” Jabeur shared.
“Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it’s time to step back and finally put myself first — to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living,” she added.
Jabeur, currently ranked 71st in the world, was forced to retire from her first-round match at Wimbledon in June, following a similar early exit at the French Open.
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Despite good preparation, she revealed feeling unexpectedly unwell during competition, which she admitted had taken a toll on her confidence.
“It doesn’t really help me with my confidence,” she said, acknowledging the emotional and physical pressure that comes with playing at the highest level.
Following her loss in Paris, Jabeur opened up about the mental and emotional strain of the sport, highlighting the guilt, pressure from sponsors, ranking expectations, and responsibilities some players bear in supporting their families.
“A lot of us carry guilt that we’re not doing enough… it is a very tough sport,” she stated.
Widely admired on the tennis circuit for her charisma and sportsmanship, Jabeur reached the finals of Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, and the US Open in 2022, earning her a place among the sport’s elite and a special place in fans’ hearts.
Image Credit: Tennis Infinity
