TUNIS — Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the most beloved figures in women's tennis, has announced she will take a step back from the sport to prioritize her mental and physical wellbeing. The world No. 9 revealed in an emotional social media post that she has struggled with happiness on the court for an extended period.
Jabeur, known as the "Minister of Happiness" for her infectious positivity, shared her decision with fans on Instagram, writing: "I have not felt happy on court for some time now, and I need to listen to my body and mind. This break is necessary for me to come back stronger." The announcement follows a challenging 2024 season marked by early exits at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.
A Career of Breakthroughs and Heartbreaks
Jabeur, 29, has been a trailblazer for Arab and African tennis, becoming the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final (2022 Wimbledon) and the first African woman to crack the WTA top 5. However, her recent performances have reflected her emotional struggles:
- Lost in the second round of the 2024 Australian Open to 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva
- Withdrew from Doha due to a knee injury
- Fell to world No. 9, her lowest ranking since 2021
Sports psychologist Dr. Sarah Johnson, who has worked with WTA players, explained the toll of Jabeur's historic pursuits: "Carrying the hopes of an entire region while battling injuries and near-misses in major finals creates immense pressure. It's unsurprising she's reached an emotional breaking point."
The Physical Toll of a Relentless Schedule
Jabeur's decision also stems from persistent physical issues. She underwent minor knee surgery in early 2024 and has managed a chronic back condition since 2023. Her signature all-court style—mixing drop shots, slices, and powerful groundstrokes—demands exceptional fitness.
- Missed 2023 Wimbledon preparation due to a calf injury
- Played through pain during her US Open final run
- Withdrawn from 5 tournaments in 12 months
Her coach, Issam Jellali, supported the hiatus: "Ons has given everything to tennis. Now she must recover not just her body, but her joy for the game. We believe in her comeback."
Reactions from the Tennis World
Players Show Support
Fellow athletes rallied behind Jabeur. World No. 1 Iga Świątek tweeted: "Tennis will miss you, but your health comes first. We’ll be here when you return." Coco Gauff added: "Proud of you for prioritizing yourself. The tour isn’t the same without your energy."
WTA’s Statement
The WTA acknowledged Jabeur’s impact: "Ons has been an inspirational force for diversity in tennis. We fully support her decision and look forward to her return."
What’s Next for Jabeur?
While no return date is set, insiders suggest Jabeur may skip the entire clay season, including Roland Garros—where she reached the quarterfinals in 2023. Her team emphasizes this is "a pause, not a retirement." Analysts note parallels to Naomi Osaka’s 2021 break, which preceded a major resurgence.
Tunisian Fed Cup captain Sami Khedira commented: "She’s earned this time. When Ons plays with happiness, she’s unstoppable. That’s the version we want to see again."
The Bigger Picture: Mental Health in Tennis
Jabeur’s announcement continues a growing trend of athletes prioritizing mental health. Since Osaka’s 2021 withdrawal from the French Open, the WTA has implemented:
- Mandatory mental health education for players and coaches
- Increased access to licensed therapists at tournaments
- “Protected ranking” rules for players taking mental health breaks
Dr. Johnson notes: "Ons’ openness helps normalize these conversations. Her legacy extends beyond trophies—it’s about showing it’s okay to step away to heal."
As Jabeur takes this courageous step, fans worldwide have flooded social media with messages of support, using the hashtag #ComeBackStronger. Her agent confirmed she will spend time in Tunisia with family before reassessing her plans this summer.
For now, the woman who brought joy to millions reminds us all: "Even ‘Ministers of Happiness’ need to recharge. Thank you for understanding—this isn’t goodbye, just ‘see you later.’"