Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has announced that she will take an indefinite break from professional tennis, just weeks after an emotional first-round retirement at Wimbledon 2025. The news has stunned fans and fellow players alike, as one of the sport’s most beloved and charismatic figures steps away to prioritize her health and well-being.
A Wimbledon Exit Marked by Emotion
During her opening-round match against Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova at Wimbledon this year, Jabeur was forced to retire mid-match, visibly in tears and appearing physically unwell. She later revealed she was suffering from a drop in blood pressure and bruising, with clear signs of both physical and emotional exhaustion.
Known for her creativity, humor, and grace on the court, Jabeur’s withdrawal marked her earliest Wimbledon exit since 2019—a shocking turn for a player who had reached the finals of the tournament in both 2022 and 2023.
After the match, Jabeur spoke candidly about the toll the sport had taken on her:
“I’m really sad. It doesn’t help my confidence. I’ve been struggling with my body, and mentally I haven’t been at my best.”
Why She’s Stepping Away
In a heartfelt message shared across her social platforms, the 30-year-old confirmed that she would be taking an indefinite break from competition:
“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself beyond my limits. But deep down, I haven’t felt truly happy on court. It’s time to finally put myself first—to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”
The decision comes after a difficult stretch in Jabeur’s career marked by persistent injuries, including shoulder problems that forced her to miss last year’s US Open. She also continues to battle asthma, a condition that flared up during the Australian Open earlier this year.
Currently ranked No. 71 in the world, Jabeur has seen a significant drop from her career-high of No. 2 in 2022. But for the Tunisian trailblazer, this break isn’t about rankings or results—it’s about self-preservation.
Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur has announced that she will take an indefinite break from professional tennis, just weeks after an emotional first-round retirement at Wimbledon 2025. The news has stunned fans and fellow players alike, as one of the sport’s most beloved and charismatic figures steps away to prioritize her health and well-being.
A Wimbledon Exit Marked by Emotion
During her opening-round match against Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova at Wimbledon this year, Jabeur was forced to retire mid-match, visibly in tears and appearing physically unwell. She later revealed she was suffering from a drop in blood pressure and bruising, with clear signs of both physical and emotional exhaustion.
Known for her creativity, humor, and grace on the court, Jabeur’s withdrawal marked her earliest Wimbledon exit since 2019—a shocking turn for a player who had reached the finals of the tournament in both 2022 and 2023.
After the match, Jabeur spoke candidly about the toll the sport had taken on her:
“I’m really sad. It doesn’t help my confidence. I’ve been struggling with my body, and mentally I haven’t been at my best.”
Why She’s Stepping Away
In a heartfelt message shared across her social platforms, the 30-year-old confirmed that she would be taking an indefinite break from competition:
“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself beyond my limits. But deep down, I haven’t felt truly happy on court. It’s time to finally put myself first—to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”
The decision comes after a difficult stretch in Jabeur’s career marked by persistent injuries, including shoulder problems that forced her to miss last year’s US Open. She also continues to battle asthma, a condition that flared up during the Australian Open earlier this year.
Currently ranked No. 71 in the world, Jabeur has seen a significant drop from her career-high of No. 2 in 2022. But for the Tunisian trailblazer, this break isn’t about rankings or results—it’s about self-preservation.
