Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur, once ranked World No. 2 and celebrated for her trailblazing achievements, has officially announced a hiatus from professional tennis. In an emotional statement shared via Instagram on Thursday, the 30-year-old revealed that she is stepping away from the WTA Tour to focus on her mental and physical well-being.
The decision comes after a difficult stretch for Jabeur, who has faced multiple injuries and inconsistent performances in recent seasons. Most recently, she was forced to retire during her first-round match at Wimbledon due to breathing difficulties. The same tournament where she reached the final in both 2022 and 2023 now marks a turning point in her career as she takes time away from the court.
Battling Injuries and Searching for Joy
“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges,” Jabeur wrote in her heartfelt social media post. “But deep down, I haven’t felt truly happy on the court for some time now.
“Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it’s time to take a step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”
Jabeur, admired for her graceful game and charming personality, has always been a fan favorite. However, her recent struggles have led to a steep decline in form and rankings. Once standing as high as No. 2 in the world, she currently sits at No. 71 on the WTA rankings.
A Glorious Yet Painful Journey
The 2022 season was arguably the peak of Jabeur’s career. That year, she not only reached the Wimbledon final but also finished as the runner-up at the U.S. Open. She became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2019 to make the finals at both Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows in the same season. Her historic run also made her the first Arab and African woman to reach multiple Grand Slam finals in the Open Era.
Although she fell short of capturing a Grand Slam title, her performances sparked inspiration across continents, especially in Africa and the Arab world. Her popularity soared, and her accomplishments helped elevate tennis in regions often underrepresented in the sport.
Unfortunately, 2024 has been a challenging year for Jabeur. She holds a 15-15 win-loss record and has been sidelined with a shoulder injury that limited her appearances post-Wimbledon. The pressure of staying competitive while managing injuries seems to have taken its toll.
Stepping Away, But Not Disappearing
While her fans may miss her on the court during the hard-court season, Jabeur assured everyone that this isn’t a farewell — just a much-needed pause.
“Even while I’m away from the court, I’ll continue to stay close and connected in different ways, and share this journey with you all,” she wrote.
Jabeur’s announcement resonates deeply in the current era of athlete mental health awareness. Several high-profile athletes, including Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles, have taken similar steps to prioritize well-being over relentless competition.
What Lies Ahead
There is no confirmed timeline for Jabeur’s return, but her fans, fellow players, and the tennis world at large are rallying behind her. As she embarks on this personal journey of rest and rediscovery, her story continues to be one of resilience, inspiration, and authenticity.
As the tennis world prepares for the U.S. Open and the hard-court swing, one notable absence will be felt. But for Ons Jabeur, this break may be the beginning of a renewed chapter — one that could lead her back not only to winning ways but to the happiness she seeks both on and off the court.
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