Background and Achievements of Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur, a 30-year-old tennis player from Tunisia, has been making waves in the world of tennis. She reached the second spot in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings in 2022, following her Wimbledon and US Open final appearances. Jabeur’s accomplishments include being the first African player, male or female, to top the WTA rankings.
Rise to Prominence
- Debuted as a professional in 2010
- Won the junior Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in 2011 after wrist surgery
- Contested 13 finals from 2018 to 2023, including the WTA 1000 title in Madrid in 2022
- Secured three Grand Slam runner-up positions: Wimbledon 2022 and 2023, US Open 2022
Decline in Performance
Jabeur’s performance began to decline after her last final at the WTA 250 tournament in Ningbo, China, in September 2023. She closed 2023 at sixth place and dropped to 42nd in the rankings by February 2024. By July 2025, she was at position 71, including a first-round exit at Roland Garros, her favorite Grand Slam.
Mental Health Concerns and Recent Developments
Jabeur announced her decision to pause her professional tennis career to “rediscover the joy of living.” This move has sparked conversations about mental health in professional tennis, following similar disclosures from top players like Alexander Zverev and Naomi Osaka.
Jabeur’s Statement
“Over the past two years, I have pushed myself hard, battling injuries and facing numerous challenges. However, deep down, I haven’t felt genuinely happy on the court for some time.”
“Tennis is a beautiful sport, but now feels like the time to step back, prioritize myself: breathe, heal, and rediscover the joy of simply living.”
Other Players Addressing Mental Health
Jabeur joins a growing list of tennis players, including Alexander Zverev, Naomi Osaka, Maria Sakkari, Iga Swiatek, and Nick Kyrgios, who have openly discussed their mental health struggles amidst the demanding professional tours.
Historical Context and Jabeur’s Advocacy
While recent cases of mental health concerns in tennis have gained attention, players like Ivan Lendl sought help for similar issues four decades ago. Jabeur’s situation is not solely due to her sporting results; she has been vocal about social issues, including the ongoing situation in Palestine.
Jabeur’s Advocacy for Palestine
“It’s hard to believe this is happening in 2025… We keep pushing and pressuring, but unfortunately, closing borders and trying to starve children and many others is inhumane.”
As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Food Programme, Jabeur has expressed her concern over the situation in Palestine. Although she did not mention this in her pause announcement, it is part of her recent context.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ons Jabeur? A 30-year-old tennis player from Tunisia who reached the second spot in WTA rankings in 2022.
- Why did Ons Jabeur pause her career? To focus on her mental health and rediscover the joy of living.
- What are some recent mental health concerns in tennis? Players like Alexander Zverev, Naomi Osaka, and Ons Jabeur have openly discussed their struggles with mental health amidst demanding professional tours.
- What is Ons Jabeur’s stance on social issues? She has been vocal about the situation in Palestine, describing it as inhumane.
