Ons Jabeur, once ranked world number two and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has announced a temporary break from professional tennis, revealing that she needs time to care for her mental and physical health after a challenging period.
The 30-year-old Tunisian, currently ranked 71st, made the announcement on Thursday through her social media platforms. She shared that despite her efforts to stay strong through injuries and constant pressure, she has not truly felt happy on court for some time.
“For the last two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges,” Jabeur wrote. “But deep down, I haven’t felt really happy on the court for some time now.”
She added, “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.”
Jabeur had a difficult season this year. She retired in the first round of Wimbledon in June and had exited the French Open in the opening round just weeks earlier. She admitted that her form in training did not prepare her for how she felt on court.
“These things happen. I’m pretty sad. It doesn’t really help me with my confidence,” she said after her Wimbledon retirement.
In previous interviews, Jabeur spoke candidly about the intense emotional burden professional players face, citing the constant pressure from rankings, sponsors, and family responsibilities. “Pushing through injury I’ve been doing, like, my whole life,” she said, highlighting the internal guilt many players experience.
Despite her current struggles, Jabeur remains one of the most beloved figures on the tour, admired by fans and fellow players alike. She was runner-up at Wimbledon in both 2022 and 2023 and reached the US Open final in 2022.
Her announcement has drawn support across the tennis world, with many applauding her courage to prioritize her well-being over competition.
