Ons Jabeur Temporarily Puts Down the Racket: “To Breathe… To Heal… To Rediscover the Joy of Life”

In a heartfelt and powerful decision, Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur announced on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that she will be stepping away from professional tennis temporarily after a period filled with challenges, injuries, and a significant drop in global rankings.

The player, who has long inspired fans around the world with her smile and fighting spirit, shared an emotional message on her official Instagram account, writing:

“I feel it’s time to take a step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the simple joy of life.”

A Remarkable Career Spanning Decades

Ons Jabeur, formerly ranked world No. 2, is far from an ordinary player—she’s a global and Arab icon. Over her more than 30-year career, she has achieved historic milestones, including:

• Reaching the Wimbledon final in both 2022 and 2023
• Qualifying for the US Open final (Flushing Meadows) in 2022
• The first Arab and African woman to reach such levels in modern tennis history

However, the past two seasons were grueling. She faced:

• A sharp drop in rankings, down to world No. 71
• Early exits from the Australian Open and Roland Garros
• A painful withdrawal from Wimbledon 2025 due to a severe asthma attack

“Happiness Has Been Missing… and Rest Became a Necessity”

In her statement, Ons admitted that despite trying to push through, the true feeling of joy had long disappeared. She said she needs time away from the spotlight to recharge and added:

“Happiness has been missing for a long time. Now, I need rest. I’ll stay close to you, just in my own way.”

🌍 Global Support and a Universal Message

Ons’s announcement drew widespread international support. Major news outlets and fellow tennis stars echoed her words and praised her courage:

• AS (Spain): “Ons Jabeur puts down the racket to prioritize her mental health”
• Al Jazeera English: “Rediscovering the joy of life”
• Women Tennis: “Puts herself first”
• TENNIS.com: “Putting herself at the top of the list”
• France 24: “To breathe… to heal”

Ons: A Female Voice Against Pressure

In a world that often demands women to constantly be strong and resilient, “The Minister of Happiness,” as Tunisian media affectionately call her, said a loud and clear “No.” Her message wasn’t just about tennis—it was about humanity, self-worth, and recognizing when to pause.

Yes, even champions need rest sometimes.

Not a Goodbye… But a Well-Deserved Break

This move by Ons is not an end, but rather the beginning of a new, more mindful chapter. As she temporarily steps away from the court, she draws closer to her fans, her true self, and to life—just as it is.

“Being a champion isn’t just about winning—it’s also knowing when to stop for your own well-being.”