Ons Jabeur, once the dazzling Tunisian firebrand ranked No. 2 on the WTA Tour, is officially hitting pause on her career. Citing mental and physical exhaustion, Jabeur—currently world No. 71—shared via Instagram that she’s stepping back to “rediscover the joy of simply living.” And honestly? After surviving back-to-back finals, injuries, and crushing expectations, who could blame her?
This isn’t retirement. It’s a well-earned timeout. The “Minister of Happiness,” as fans fondly call her, is putting herself first for a change—and that might be her boldest move yet.
💔 From Glory to Grit: The Weight of Expectation
Jabeur’s rise was historic—three Grand Slam finals, a US Open run in 2022, and the first Arab or African woman to crack the WTA Top 10. At her peak, she wasn’t just a trailblazer; she was a symbol of hope and joy for millions.
But behind the celebratory headlines were injury setbacks, mounting pressure, and a player slowly losing her love for the game. In 2024, a shoulder injury truncated her season. By 2025, a first-round retirement at Wimbledon due to breathing difficulties sealed the emotional toll.
And while 188bet fans once placed odds on her as a Grand Slam favorite, those numbers have shifted—highlighting just how unpredictable elite sport can be.
🧠 “I Haven’t Felt Truly Happy on Court”
In a heartfelt message, Jabeur wrote:
“For the past two years, I’ve been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges… I haven’t felt truly happy on the court for some time now.”
That’s not just vulnerability—it’s bravery. In an industry that idolizes grit, Jabeur’s decision to step back is a reminder that even champions need time to breathe.
🌍 The Global Impact of Jabeur’s Hiatus
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a tennis story—it’s a cultural moment. Jabeur is the pride of Tunisia, the face of African women in tennis, and a global advocate for joy and authenticity in sport.
Her temporary withdrawal has left a gap in the WTA circuit and among betting enthusiasts alike. With her absence from the Montreal Open and the upcoming US Open—where she was once runner-up—she becomes the only top-99 WTA player not registered for Flushing Meadows 2025.
🔁 Not a Goodbye—Just a See You Later
Even while away, Jabeur promises to stay connected:
“I’ll continue to stay close and share this journey with you all.”
With 15 wins and 15 losses this year, it’s clear 2025 hasn’t gone as planned. But this break may be exactly what she needs to reset—not just her body, but her spirit.
And when she returns? Don’t be surprised if she does it on her own terms—smiling, slicing, and dropping shots like she never left.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jabeur is stepping away due to mental and physical exhaustion, citing the need to heal and find joy beyond the court.
No. She is currently the only player in the WTA Top 99 who has not registered for the tournament.
She’s battled a shoulder injury in 2024 and suffered breathing difficulties during Wimbledon 2025, prompting her early exit.
Not yet. She has been runner-up in three Grand Slam finals—Wimbledon (2022, 2023) and the US Open (2022).
As of July 2025, she is ranked No. 71, a significant drop from her career-high of No. 2.
Currently, no active odds are available due to her indefinite hiatus, but expect a spike in futures once her comeback timeline becomes clearer.
🎯 Conclusion: A Pause, Not a Full Stop
Ons Jabeur’s hiatus is a reminder that greatness isn’t just about grit—it’s also about grace. Whether she returns next season or later, the world will be watching. Because when a woman as talented, warm, and groundbreaking as Jabeur decides to take care of herself, that is the win.
💬 What are your thoughts on Jabeur’s decision? Share below or follow her journey online—because even off the court, she continues to inspire.
