TUNIS, Tunisia — In a heartwarming announcement that has delighted the tennis world and her legion of fans, Tunisian trailblazer and former world number two Ons Jabeur revealed she is expecting her first child with her husband and former fencer, Karim Kamoun.
The news, shared via a charming and playful social media post on Monday, marks a new, exciting chapter for the three-time Grand Slam finalist, who has often spoken about her desire to balance a top-tier athletic career with family life. The post, captioned "New ranking just dropped. Baby Kamoun coming soon 2025. The cutest comeback ever," featured a series of photos showing the couple with sonogram images and a tiny, custom-made tennis outfit.
Jabeur, affectionately known as the "Minister of Happiness" in her home country, has been a beacon of inspiration, breaking numerous barriers for Arab and African athletes. This personal milestone adds a deeply human dimension to the story of a global sports icon.
A Joyful Revelation
The announcement was met with an immediate and overwhelming wave of congratulations from fellow players, fans, and tennis organizations. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) led the tributes, posting on X (formerly Twitter): "The cutest comeback ever! Congratulations, @Ons_Jabeur and Karim!"
This "comeback" narrative resonates deeply, as Jabeur has been open about her struggles with a knee injury that hampered her 2024 season. Her announcement cleverly reframes the concept of a return, shifting it from the tennis court to a profoundly personal journey. Fellow players quickly joined the celebration. Iga Swiatek, a rival and friend, commented simply, "Congratulations!" while Elina Svitolina wrote, "Amazing news! So happy for you both!"
The couple's journey to this point has been a public one, with Kamoun, a former national team fencer turned fitness coach, often seen supporting Jabeur from her player's box. Their partnership is a cornerstone of Jabeur's success, and the news solidifies their team off the court.
Balancing Motherhood and Elite Sport
Jabeur's pregnancy announcement places her among a growing list of elite tennis players who have navigated motherhood while continuing to compete at the highest level. The conversation around pregnancy and professional tennis has evolved significantly, thanks in large part to trailblazers like Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, who successfully returned to the tour after having children.
The WTA has also adapted its policies to better support athlete mothers, including introducing protected rankings that allow players to return to competition after a leave of absence without having to start from scratch. Jabeur is well-positioned to utilize these provisions for her eventual return to the WTA Tour.
In past interviews, Jabeur has been candid about her desire to have a family. After her Wimbledon final loss in 2023, she stated, "I'm not going to give up. I'm going to come back stronger and win a Grand Slam. We'll have the baby later, don't worry. It's going to happen." This announcement shows she is seamlessly integrating both of her life's grand ambitions.
Key considerations for Jabeur's journey will likely include:
- Timeline: A projected 2025 birth date suggests a potential return for the 2026 season.
- Protected Ranking: She can use this to enter a certain number of tournaments upon her return.
- Physical Recovery: Managing the physical demands of pregnancy and rebuilding tennis-specific fitness.
An Inspirational Figure On and Off the Court
Ons Jabeur's influence extends far beyond her powerful forehand and deft drop shots. As the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final and attain a top-10 ranking, she has carried the hopes of a region and inspired millions of young girls to pick up a racket. This new chapter in her life adds another layer to her inspirational story.
She has consistently used her platform to advocate for women's rights and to challenge stereotypes, both in the Arab world and globally. Embracing motherhood while maintaining her identity as a world-class athlete powerfully demonstrates that women do not have to choose between a career and a family.
A statement from the Tunisian Tennis Federation captured the national pride, saying, "We share with our champion Ons Jabeur and her husband Karim Kamoun this great joy. We wish them all the happiness and health, and we are certain that Ons will return to the courts with the same determination and strength that characterize her."
What's Next for the Star?
While the tennis world will undoubtedly miss Jabeur's charismatic presence and unique game on tour for the remainder of the 2024 season and likely all of 2025, the focus is squarely on her health and happiness. Her announcement signals a planned hiatus, allowing her to step away from the grueling tour schedule to focus on her family.
When she does return, the narrative will be one of the most compelling in sports: a beloved global star and history-maker returning not just from injury, but from maternity leave, with renewed purpose. The dream of winning that elusive first Grand Slam title, a goal shared by her fans worldwide, will burn even brighter.
In her own words, shared in the joyful announcement, Jabeur has already framed this next phase perfectly. It is not a retirement or a step back, but simply "the cutest comeback ever." And for a player known for her unexpected shots and joyful approach to the game, this may be her most celebrated and supported return yet.