Ons Jabeur has already made tennis history. What she hasn’t done is finish writing her own.
At 32, the Tunisian is preparing for another chapter of her remarkable career, targeting a return to the WTA Tour in 2027 following the birth of her first child.
And anyone expecting a sentimental farewell tour may be disappointed. Jabeur wants several more years of competitive tennis.
Speaking to The National, the former world No. 2 confirmed that she has resumed training, although she remains uncertain about when she will be ready to compete.
The Tennis World Has Missed More Than Her Results
Few players have brought as much imagination to the modern women’s game as Jabeur.
Her disguised drop shots, wicked slices and unexpected changes of pace made her a fascinating contrast to the powerful baseline tennis dominating the WTA Tour.
She also broke barriers.
Jabeur became the first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final, eventually appearing in three: Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023, and the 2022 US Open.
Although she lost all three, her five WTA titles and rise to world No. 2 established her among the leading players of her generation.
Her last appearance, however, ended unhappily. Persistent physical problems culminated in a first-round retirement at Wimbledon in July 2025, after which she stepped away from professional tennis.
A Different Kind of Training Partner
Life away from the tour has brought considerably bigger changes than a revised practice schedule.
Jabeur welcomed her son Elyan in April 2026 and is now discovering what returning to elite sport after childbirth actually involves.
She acknowledges that her body has changed and that regaining her physical condition requires patience.
Elyan occasionally accompanies her to training, while Jabeur has also found time to establish a tennis academy in Dubai.
She is thoroughly enjoying motherhood, although uninterrupted sleep has apparently become something of a luxury.
Jabeur Wants Another Chapter, Not a Final Appearance
Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina and Serena Williams have all returned to professional tennis after becoming mothers.
Jabeur hopes to follow them, but her circumstances present a particular challenge: she must recover not only from childbirth but also from the physical problems that interrupted her career.
Whether she can once again challenge for major titles remains an open question.
But Jabeur has never been a player defined solely by the trophies she collected. Her originality, influence and ability to inspire have already secured her place in tennis history.
Now she wants something history cannot give her: more matches to play.
And she is making it abundantly clear that 2027 is intended to mark a new beginning, not the beginning of the end.