Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur has announced she is stepping away from competitive tennis, citing the need to prioritize her health and happiness.
The 30-year-old Tunisian made the announcement in a heartfelt statement shared on social media on Thursday.
Jabeur, who made history as the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final, has faced a challenging season, failing to progress beyond the third round at any major tournament this year. Her most recent campaign at Wimbledon ended in disappointment when she was forced to retire from her opening-round match against Viktoriya Tomova due to physical difficulties, following an extended medical timeout.
A former world number two, Jabeur has long battled with asthma and suffered breathing issues earlier this year at the Australian Open. Despite her cheerful demeanor and the nickname “Minister of Happiness,” she revealed that she has been struggling to find joy on the court.
“For the past two years, I’ve pushed myself relentlessly playing through injuries and dealing with numerous challenges,” she wrote. “But deep down, I haven’t truly felt happy on the court for a while now.”
“While tennis is a beautiful sport, I believe it’s time for me to step back to breathe, to heal, and to reconnect with the simple joy of living.”
Jabeur, who is married to former fencer and coach Karim Kamoun, has previously expressed her desire to start a family.
She concluded her message with gratitude to her supporters: “Thank you to all my fans for your understanding. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me I carry them with me always.”
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