Ons Jabeur has decided to take a break from professional tennis following her emotional departure from Wimbledon. The 30-year-old Tunisian player, who reached the women’s singles final at Wimbledon in both 2022 and 2023, experienced a distressing loss after just 26 minutes against Viktoriya Tomova in this year’s tournament.
During the match, Jabeur broke down in tears, prompting a medical timeout due to concerns about her blood pressure and vital signs. Despite returning to the court after a short break, she eventually retired in the second set while trailing 6-7, 0-2.
In a statement, Jabeur expressed her need to step away from the sport to prioritize her well-being and rediscover the joy of life outside of tennis. She acknowledged the challenges she has faced over the past two years, including injuries and personal struggles, which have impacted her happiness on the court.
Jabeur, currently ranked 71st in the world, did not provide a specific reason for her Wimbledon withdrawal but mentioned feeling unwell and lacking confidence. She also reflected on the pressures of professional tennis, including the demands from sponsors, rankings, and the responsibilities of providing for oneself and family members.
Having faced disappointing defeats in major tournaments like Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open, Jabeur highlighted the mental and physical toll that competitive tennis has taken on her. She expressed gratitude to her fans for their support and assured them of staying connected during her break from the sport.