"Was surprised they complained about it, I don't know why": Ons Jabeur responds for first time after WTA complaint made over Palestine post

Ons Jabeur reflected on the complaints made by the WTA regarding her statements in support of Palestine.

The 3-times Grand Slam finalist concluded the 2023 season by qualifying for the WTA Finals for the second consecutive year after an uneven season where injuries prevented her from maintaining consistency throughout the year.

Some strong results during the year helped her secure a spot among the top 8, despite missing several tournaments. Jabeur claimed a WTA 500 title and a WTA 250 title, in addition to reaching the quarterfinals at the French Open and the Wimbledon final.

“Honestly it means a lot to qualify for the WTA Finals again,”

“I’m just happy because this season it was unexpected that I qualified. It was a little bit stressful at the end but I don’t think it was as stressful as the year that I didn’t qualify, 2021. I’m pretty excited and hopefully I have much more experience than the last time I made it.”

World No. 6 recently expressed her opinion on social media regarding the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, denouncing the longstanding violence experienced by Palestinians for decades.

“What Palestinians have been going through during the last 75 years is indescribable. What innocent civilians are going through is indescribable; no matter what their religion is, or what their origin is. Violence will never bring peace. I cannot stand with violence but I also cannot stand with people having their lands taken,” wrote Jabeur, who went on to emphasise the importance of understanding context.

“Peace is what everyone needs and deserves. Stop the violence and #FreePalestine.”

As a response, the Israeli Tennis Association filed a complaint against Jabeur to the ITF and WTA:

“What I wrote in my post on Instagram is what I support, and the biggest thing I believe in is peace,”

“I’m very sad for the innocent people that are getting killed every day and I wish the world would react and end this war,” she added.

“They filed the complaint to the WTA and I’m aware of it, they told me about it. But I didn’t say anything wrong. I just shared my opinion and I stayed within the rules. I actually was surprised they complained about it. I don’t even know why. My message was really peaceful,” Ons Jabeur concluded.