Ons Jabeur confirmed the birth of her first child on Monday, announcing the news through a brief message on social media. The Tunisian, a former world No. 2, has been away from competition in recent months due to pregnancy, marking a pause in one of the most consistent careers on the WTA Tour.
Her absence dates back to the latter stages of the 2025 season, initially without full clarification before being contextualised as part of her transition into motherhood. The development shifts attention away from short-term results and toward a longer-term career adjustment.
Since turning professional in 2010, Jabeur has reached three Grand Slam finals, at the US Open (2022) and Wimbledon (2022, 2023), and became the highest-ranked Arab and African player in history.
Jabeur’s break followed a period of physical issues and inconsistent results across 2024 and 2025. The pause extended into maternity leave, placing her outside the current clay swing,
Absence from the tour and reaction across the circuit
No return date has been confirmed. Any comeback is expected to depend on recovery and personal priorities, with a gradual reintegration the most likely scenario based on comparable cases.
“A tiny miracle, a lifetime of love 🤍 Welcoming our baby boy, 20/04/2026 ♾️” she posted on her social media accounts.
The announcement drew responses from across the tennis circuit, including Coco Gauff, Sloane Stephens, Katie Boulter, Sabine Lisicki, Leylah Fernandez and Billie Jean King, reflecting Jabeur’s standing within the sport. Her absence remains notable given her recent consistency at major events, while her return continues to be expected without a fixed timeline.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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