Ons Jabeur Comtemplating Retirement? Tennis Star Announces Break From Sport To Focus On Healing
Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur has announced a much-needed break from tennis, citing physical and emotional exhaustion after a challenging stretch marked by persistent injuries and personal struggles.
Jabeur, once ranked as high as world No. 2, has faced a tough year battling shoulder and leg injuries. Despite these setbacks, she attempted to push through at Wimbledon 2025, where she took to the court against Viktoriya Tomova in the first round.
But it wasn't her injuries that forced her out — it was the scorching heat. The asthmatic Tunisian struggled to breathe during the match and, after losing the first set, was forced to retire in tears, a heartbreaking moment for one of the sport's most beloved players.
'Time to Put Myself First"
Following her early Wimbledon exit, Jabeur opened up to fans with a heartfelt message on social media, revealing the emotional toll the past two years had taken.
'For the past two years, I've been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges. But, deep down, I haven't felt truly happy on the court for some time now," she wrote on X.
'Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it's time to take a step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living."
'Thank you to all my fans for understanding. Your support and love means the world to me. I carry it with me always."
Withdraws from Canadian Open
True to her word, the 30-year-old has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Canadian Open in Montreal. She will be replaced in the main draw by Suzan Lamens, while Britain's Sonay Kartal, who also withdrew, will be replaced by Renata Zarazua.
Jabeur's absence from recent events has seen her ranking slip. She has dropped 12 spots to world No. 71 this week — her lowest WTA ranking since January 2020.
That year marked the beginning of her rise, when she had yet to make a Grand Slam quarterfinal. Now, she is a two-time Wimbledon finalist (2022, 2023) and 2022 US Open runner-up.
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First Published:
July 17, 2025, 19:23 IST
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