Ons Jabeur Takes Indefinite Break from Tennis to Prioritize Health and Recovery

Ons Jabeur Announces Break from Tennis to Prioritise Health and Well-Being.

Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the sport’s most beloved figures, has announced she is stepping away from professional tennis to focus on her mental and physical health. In an emotional post shared on Instagram and X on Thursday, the 30-year-old revealed she had been struggling internally despite her continued efforts to stay on court.

“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard—fighting injuries and many other challenges,” she wrote. “But deep down, I haven’t truly felt happy on the court for some time now. It’s time to take a step back, to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”

Jabeur, once ranked world No. 2, has seen her ranking fall to No. 71 following a tough season marred by injury setbacks. Her 2024 campaign was interrupted by a persistent shoulder issue, and after Wimbledon, she played just one match—retiring mid-match at the Championships against Viktoriya Tomova due to physical distress.

Nicknamed the “Minister of Happiness” for her radiant personality and deep connection with fans, Jabeur made history as the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final. She was runner-up at Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, and at the US Open in 2022, winning admiration across the globe for her creativity, resilience, and authenticity.

Her decision, while difficult, underscores the growing awareness of mental health in elite sport.

“Tennis is such a beautiful sport,” she wrote. “But right now, I need to put myself first. Thank you to all my fans for understanding—your love and support mean the world to me. I’ll stay close and connected in different ways while I take this time.”

Jabeur, who has previously spoken about starting a family with her husband and fitness coach Karim Kamoun, did not specify how long her break would last. As the tour prepares for the rest of the season without her, Jabeur’s absence will be felt—but so too will her courage in choosing joy and self-care over relentless pursuit.