Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon finalist, has announced she is taking a break from the sport to prioritize her mental and physical well-being.
Stepping Back for Self-Care
Ons Jabeur, once ranked World No. 2, shared a heartfelt statement explaining her decision to step away from professional tennis. She revealed that despite her dedication, she hasn’t felt genuinely happy on the court for a while.
“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges,” Jabeur posted. Her message emphasized the need to “take a step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”
The 30-year-old athlete also took the opportunity to thank her dedicated fans for their unwavering support, promising to stay connected even while off the court.
Battling On-Court Struggles
Jabeur’s decision follows a challenging period marked by injuries and emotional strain. Just last month, she was forced to retire from her first-round match at Wimbledon due to difficulty breathing.
During that match against Viktoriya Tomova, Jabeur trailed 7-6 (5), 2-0 when she had to stop playing. She was seen visibly distressed, even crying into a towel during a medical timeout.
Reflecting on the incident, Jabeur admitted, “I wasn’t expecting not to feel good. I have been practicing pretty well the last few days. But I guess these things happen.” She expressed sadness and concern for her confidence, highlighting the difficulty of pushing through a very tough season.
A Career of Highs and Challenges
Jabeur has been a prominent figure in women’s tennis, reaching multiple Grand Slam finals. She was a finalist at Wimbledon in both 2022 and 2023, falling to Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova, respectively. She also made it to the final of the 2022 U.S. Open, where she was defeated by Iga Swiatek.
However, her career has also been punctuated by various physical setbacks. Her 2024 season concluded early due to a shoulder injury, and she has grappled with leg problems throughout the current year.
- Ons Jabeur is taking an indefinite break from tennis.
- Her decision stems from a desire to prioritize her happiness and well-being.
- Recent struggles include injuries and a retirement from Wimbledon due to breathing issues.
- Jabeur is a three-time Grand Slam finalist, including two Wimbledon finals.
Her fans eagerly await her return to the court, refreshed and ready to rediscover her passion for the game.
