Two-time Wimbledon finalist announces break from tennis in emotional statement

Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur has announced that she is taking a break from tennis as she hasn't "truly felt happy on the court for some time." The 30-year-old retired in tears at SW19 a fortnight ago as her difficult 2025 season continued, leaving the turf to hand Viktoriya Tomova a walkover.

She took a medical time-out in the fifth game and had her blood pressure taken, while wearing an ice pack around her neck, before being taken off the court to receive treatment. She returned 14 minutes later and tried to play on, but ended up conceding the match when down 7-6(5) 2-0.

Taking to Instagram, the Tunisian star wrote: "For the past two years, I've been pushing myself so hard, fighting through injuries and facing many other challenges. But deep down, I haven't truly felt happy on the court for some time now.

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

"Thank you to all my fans for understanding. Your support and love mean the world to me. I carry it with me always. Even while I'm away from the court, I'll continue to stay close and connected in different ways, and share this journey with you all. Ons."

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