Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Ons Jabeur, the three-time Grand Slam finalist from Tunisia, has announced an indefinite break from competitive tennis. The 30-year-old revealed her decision via social media, citing a desire to prioritize her well-being after experiencing injuries and emotional distress over the past two years, which has affected her performance on the court, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.
Jabeur, the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final, faced disappointing results in recent tournaments, including a first-round retirement at Wimbledon against Viktoriya Tomova due to breathing difficulties exacerbated by the weather. She has been candid about her struggles, stating, “For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges,” according to India Times and Dawn.
In her announcement, Jabeur expressed the need to “breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living,” showing her commitment to mental health. She also reflected on her journey, acknowledging her past achievements, including consecutive Wimbledon finals in 2022 and 2023. Despite her break, she reassured fans that she would remain connected with them during her time away from the court, stating, “Thank you to all my fans for understanding. Your support and love mean the world to me,” according to Africanews.