Former world number two Ons Jabeur has announced she is pregnant with her first child.
Jabeur, 31, who stepped away from tennis in July for her own wellbeing after saying she had not felt happy on court “for some time”, is now ranked 79th. She posted on Instagram: “Took a little break to reset and recharge… Turns out, we’ve been planning the cutest comeback ever. The court will have to wait a little longer, because soon… we’ll be welcoming our tiniest team-mate. Baby boy joining the team in April.”
A two-time Wimbledon runner-up, Jabeur has been nicknamed the “Minister of Happiness” for her cheerful personality. She said she was prioritising herself by taking a break “to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover the joy of simply living”. Jabeur has also warned the sport’s schedule “is killing everyone”, echoing comments from players such as Iga Swiatek who have described the season as too long and intense.
Jabeur is the highest-ranked player from an Arab nation in WTA history and has won five WTA singles titles.
Ons Jabeur was a beaten Wimbledon finalist in both 2022 and 2023
