Ons Jabeur announces she is taking 'step back' from tennis weeks after tearful Wimbledon exit - 'I haven't truly felt happy on the court'
Published 17/07/2025 at 15:18 GMT+1
Ons Jabeur announced on Thursday she is taking a "step back" from tennis to "rediscover the joy of simply living". The two-time Wimbledon finalist revealed the decision weeks after retiring in tears in the first round at SW19 against Viktoriya Tomova due to an injury. The Tunisian said she had not "truly felt happy on the court for some time" and wanted to "put herself first".
Ons Jabeur v Camilla Osario - Australian Open highlights
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Ons Jabeur announced she is taking a "step back" from tennis to "rediscover the joy of simply living".
The two-time Wimbledon finalist was in tears upon retiring in the first round at SW19 a fortnight ago against Viktoriya Tomova.
Having reached three Grand Slam finals in two years (US Open 2022, Wimbledon 2022, 2023), Jabeur has since tumbled down the rankings while battling shoulder and leg injuries.
And on Thursday, the 30-year-old admitted in a statement that she had not "truly felt happy on the court for some time" and would be taking an extended break from tennis.
"For the past two years, I've been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges," Jabeur said. "But deep down, I haven't truly felt happy on the court for some time now.
"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.
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Magdalena Frech - Ons Jabeur - Roland Garros highlights
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"Thank you to all my fans for understanding. Your support and love mean the world to me.
"I carry it with me always. Even while I'm away from the court, I'll continue to stay close and connected in different ways, and share this journey with you all. Ons."
The Tunisian former world No. 2’s statement comes a day after she officially withdrew from the upcoming Canadian Open in Montreal.
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At Wimbledon, Jabeur broke down in tears as she took a medical timeout. An ice pack was placed around her neck and she had her blood pressure taken before being taken off court for further treatment.
Jabeur returned 14 minutes later, lost the first set on a tie-breaker before retiring while trailing 7-6(5) 2-0.
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