Why is Ons Jabeur Taking a Break from Tennis?

Synopsis

In a heartfelt announcement, Ons Jabeur, the renowned Tunisian tennis star and two-time Wimbledon finalist, reveals her decision to take a break from the sport. After a challenging journey marked by injuries and emotional hardships, she aims to prioritize her well-being and rediscover the joy of living. A must-read for tennis fans!

Key Takeaways

Ons Jabeur is taking an indefinite break from tennis.
She aims to focus on her well-being and happiness.
Her decision follows recent injuries and emotional challenges.
Jabeur is a two-time Wimbledon finalist and a trailblazer for Arab and African tennis.
She reassured fans that she will remain connected during her hiatus.

New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) Ons Jabeur, a two-time finalist at Wimbledon, has declared an indefinite hiatus from tennis to prioritize her personal well-being following a tough period filled with injuries and emotional challenges.

The 29-year-old from Tunisia, recognized as the first Arab and African woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final, expressed in a heartfelt message on social media that she has not "truly felt happy on the court for a while now."

“Over the past two years, I've been pushing myself relentlessly, battling through injuries and confronting various obstacles,” Jabeur shared on X.

“But deep down, I haven't truly felt happy on the court for some time now.”

This announcement follows a heartbreaking first-round exit at Wimbledon, where she had to retire due to injury against Viktoriya Tomova. This moment was especially emotional given Jabeur's strong ties to the All England Club, where she was a finalist in both 2022 and 2023, finishing second to Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova respectively.

These near-misses, along with her loss in the 2022 US Open final, have symbolized a painful quest for her first Grand Slam title. However, the emotional weight of this journey, alongside the injuries that ensued, ultimately compelled Jabeur to step back.

“Tennis is an incredible sport,” she stated. “But at this moment, I believe it’s time to take a breather and put myself first: to heal, to breathe, and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”

Known for her skillful play on the court, including her exquisite drop shots and creative angles, Jabeur has also captured hearts with her humility and humor. Her ascent to a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the WTA in 2022 was a groundbreaking achievement for both Arab and African tennis.

Jabeur reassured her supporters that this is not a farewell but merely a pause. “Even during my time away from the court, I will remain connected in various ways and share this journey with you all. Ons,” she wrote.

“Thank you to all my fans for your understanding. Your support and love mean everything to me. I carry it with me always.”

Point of View

I believe Ons Jabeur's decision to step away from tennis is a testament to the importance of mental health in sports. It reflects a growing recognition that athletes, regardless of their success, need to prioritize their well-being. Jabeur's journey inspires many and highlights the human side of sports amidst competition.