"I’m definitely coming back and hoping to stay a few more years on tour" - Ons Jabeur confirms 2027 comeback to WTA Tour

Ons Jabeur has been away from the court for some time now, but after giving birth to her son, Elyan in April of this year, she is planning a return to the action next season.

The three-time Grand Slam finalist was one of the best players in the world at one point, challenging the best players in the world on a regular basis. She won five WTA titles between 2021 and 2023, with the 2022 Madrid Open success the pick of the crop.

Her form fell off as in these recent years as she struggled to find her old self on court. She reached a career high of World No.2 in 2022 but fell outside the top 40 at the end of 2024. The Tunisian has not competed on the WTA Tour since June 2025, retiring in the opening round of Wimbledon. "I feel it's time to step back and finally put myself first," she explained at the time after going through a difficult period both physically and mentally.

She would later take a period of maternity leave, giving birth to her first son and putting her tennis career to one side. Now 32, Jabeur is preparing for a return to the sport she was once one of the top talents in. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Elina Svitolina among others, it is not easy returning after a hiatus of this magnitude, and Jabeur knows this. However, she is putting in the work ahead of a highly anticipated comeback.

Jabeur confirmed this news when speaking to The National, not completely sure on the exact date. “I'm hoping to come back, hopefully next year. I still don’t know the exact time, but very soon,” she said.

There is a lot to figure out, but she has no intention of retiring from tennis yet with a few years still left in the tank. “I'm still discovering … my body is a bit changed after the delivery, but I’m definitely coming back and hoping to stay a few more years on tour before actually retiring."

She will also get to share her final part of her tennis career with her kid after an enjoyable stint at being a first-time parent. “I'm enjoying every moment, you know, motherhood it’s been amazing. Definitely will want more sleep, but it's part of the process. I'm enjoying everything with my son … He actually comes with me when I train. I'm trying to come back slowly.”

Jabeur will not rush things, but time is running out to get back to her absolute best on court. It feels like she never achieved the results that lined up with her talent on court. Losing all three Grand Slam finals he reached in agonising fashion, just the five WTA titles of a player of such high calibre may be disappointing after a few years of being one of the best tennis players in the world.

It is unrealistic for her to come back competing at that high level, especially after her final couple of years on the WTA Tour when her form dropped off. However, tennis fans will be overjoyed to hear this news as we wait for her next move.