'Stay strong': Tennis world sends outpouring of support after sad Ons Jabeur news

Yahoo

16 hours ago

The tennis world has been left saddened after former World No.2 Ons Jabeur announced she would be taking a break from the sport to prioritise her health. The Tunisian is a three-time grand slam runner-up and was the first Arab and African woman to reach a major final during her incredible run at the 2022 Wimbledon championships.
But the former World No.2 has endured a number of struggles both on and off the court in recent years, and had to retire from her first round match at Wimbledon this year on the tournament's hottest ever opening day. It continued a difficult stretch for the popular star, who suffers from asthma and experienced breathing difficulties at this year's Australian Open.
Following her Wimbeldon exit, Jabeur said: "I'm pretty sad, it really doesn't really help with my confidence and what I keep pushing myself to do, even though it has been a very tough season for me." And in the days that have followed, Jabeur has since decided to take an indefinite break from tennis, with the WTA confirming the 30-year-old is "the only player in the top 99 who has not entered next month's US Open".
Ons Jabeur announces indefinite break from tennis
The World No.71 revealed that she hasn't 'felt really happy on the court for some time now' after explaining her difficult decision on social media. "For the last two years, I've been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges. But deep down, I haven't felt really happy on the court for some time now," Jabeur wrote.
"Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it's time to step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living." The 30-year-old did not give a reason for her first-round Wimbledon retirement earlier this month, and said it came as a shock after being encouraged by her preparation for the grass court slam.
"I wasn't expecting not to feel good. I have been practising pretty well the last few days," Jabeur said after her exit. The Tunisian also suffered a first-round exit at the French Open at the start of the month and spoke afterwards about the toll her injury and health setbacks had taken.
"Pushing through injury I've been doing, like, my whole life," she said. "We have a lot of guilt inside us saying we're not doing enough or it's not enough, the pressure from sponsors, the pressure from the ranking, the pressure of providing... some players provide for their families as well. It is a very tough sport."
RELATED:
Runner-up forced into brutal move after 114-year Wimbledon first
Wimbledon crowd blown away after Aussie does the unthinkable
Tennis world rallies around Ons Jabeur after sad news
Jabeur is a hugely popular player on the circuit with both fans and fellow players alike, and her three grand slam finals appearances included Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, as well as the US Open in 2022. Her sad announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from around the tennis world, with fans hoping to see the 30-year-old back on court again when she's fit and healthy.
life is about the joy of living. we love you ons.
— Eva Lys (@evalys_) July 17, 2025
All the best. I will cheer for you again once the time is right for you to return to the court. I am also glad you're doing what makes you happy.
— Vicki Mainard 🇦🇺🕹🏀🐈 (@vmainard) July 17, 2025
All the best Ons, you are a truly amazing person and an amazing player and a true inspiration to so many people from all over the world. Wishing you all the best, we will support you no matter what. ❤️
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) July 17, 2025
Take all the time you need.We will still be here.
— #Tarot Kat #USA (@TarotKat) July 17, 2025
Stay strong Ons....you will be missed but your health is more imporatnt than a game of tennis.
— coletta (@fieryangel1) July 17, 2025
with agencies