"It's something that has deeply affected me": Ons Jabeur opens up after being called 'terrorist' for her support of Palestine

Former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur has repeatedly expressed her support for Palestine amidst the conflict with Israel. The three-time Grand Slam finalist has not shied away from referring to the conflict in Gaza, and since February 2024, she has been an ambassador for the UN World Food Programme.

The Tunisian player has been a role model for African tennis and Arab countries, being the most successful Arab female player in history. She is the only Arab tennis player, male or female, to have reached the top 10 and has often spoken out and supported humanitarian issues in the Arab world.

Jabeur in recent years has taken a relevant role in organizations and initiatives related to humanitarian and gender issues. Back in 2023, at the height of the war in Gaza, Jabeur decided to donate part of her prize money from the WTA Finals to support people in Palestine. "It’s heartbreaking. I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians. I can't be happy with this win. It is not a political message, it is humanity. I want peace in this world. That’s it.”

In a recent interview with the WTA, Jabeur again referred to the atrocities in Palestine and acknowledged that her activism has had personal consequences. "They try to exert pressure, but unfortunately, closing borders and attempting to starve children and many others is very inhumane. We're in 2025, and I can’t believe this is happening,” she stated.

“The world is terrible right now, and I don’t know what people are thinking. It’s something that has deeply affected me. I’ve been called a terrorist multiple times,” the two-time Wimbledon runner-up added. “I don’t even see the connection. I’m trying to help people, especially children, who are dying of hunger. It’s not normal."

Jabeur was scheduled to debut at the Rome Open this Thursday against two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitova, who a day earlier had achieved her first victory since October 2023 at the China Open. The Czech player took a break for maternity leave and in 2025 has played her first tournaments as a mother. However, after defeating Irina-Camelia Begu in the first round, she had to withdraw before facing Jabeur in the second round due to physical problems.