Ons Jabeur Presses Pause on Tennis Career

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, July 18, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Ons Jabeur is stepping away from tennis.

In an effort to strengthen her physical and mental health, the three-time Grand Slam finalist is pressing pause on her tennis career.

A series of injuries has derailed Jabeur and drained the joy of playing from her.

Last month, Jabeur played through qualifying and knocked off 2024 Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini en route to the Berlin quarterfinals. Jabeur lost to 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the quarterfinals, then fell in back-to-back first-rounders, to Maya Joint at Eastbourne and to world No. 111 Viktoriya Tomova at Wimbledon. Jabeur retired from her Wimbledon opener after trailing 6-7, 0-2.

“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries, and facing many other challenges,” Jabeur posted on Twitter. “But deep down, I haven’t felt truly happy on the court for some time now.

“Tennis is such a beautiful sport. But right now, I feel it’s time to step back and finally put myself first: to breathe, to heal and to rediscover the joy of simply living.”

Thank you for your support pic.twitter.com/AiffrjDzU0

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) July 17, 2025

Former world No. 2 and two-time Wimbledon finalist Jabeur, who had left wrist surgery earlier in her career, has been beset by injuries in recent years. Jabeur shut down her 2024 season last August after suffering a shoulder injury.

Nicknamed the “Minister of Happiness” for her joyful disposition on court, Jabeur conceded she’s struggled to find pleasure playing tennis this season.

The 30-year-old Tunisian started the 2025 season reaching the Brisbane quarterfinals bowing to Mirra Andreeva 6-4, 7-6. Jabeur went on to reach back-to-back quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi and Doha. Since then, she’s struggled posting a 3-9 record in main-draw, Tour-level matches.

A highly-skilled shotmaker and one of the Tour’s most popular players, Jabeur will be missed for her unique style and fan-friendly personality.