Ons Jabeur Takes Emotional Break from Tennis
Ons Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon finalist and former world No. 2, has announced she’s stepping away from professional tennis to focus on her mental and physical wellbeing.
The Tunisian star, now ranked No. 71, made the decision following a heartbreaking first-round retirement at Wimbledon due to injury. It marked the latest setback in what she described as a challenging and joyless two-year stretch on tour.
“Deep down, I haven’t truly felt happy on the court for some time now,” she revealed in a heartfelt statement posted on social media.
Jabeur shared that she’s been fighting through injuries and emotional strain. And it’s time to prioritize herself over the game she once played with joy.
Read More: Wimbledon Crowd Boos Ben Shelton’s Sister After Job Reveal
A Trailblazer’s Painful Pause
Jabeur, 30, made history as the first African and Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final, doing so at Wimbledon in 2022. She repeated the feat at the US Open later that year and returned to Centre Court in 2023, only to suffer another crushing defeat in the final, this time to Markéta Vondroušová.
That loss, which she described as “the most painful of my career,” seemed to mark a turning point. Since then, injuries, stress, and pressure have continued to mount.
While the announcement signals a pause, Jabeur made it clear this isn’t the end of her story.
“Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it’s time to take a step back… to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living,” she wrote.
She also promised to stay connected to fans during this time, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
Jabeur’s decision brings attention to the often-overlooked emotional toll of elite sports. Her openness is likely to spark more conversations around mental health in tennis, especially among women navigating intense scrutiny and physical demands.
For now, her racquet is down, but her legacy as a pioneer and inspiration continues to grow.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
