TENNIS: Jabeur reveals depression battle amid demanding schedule

Ons Jabeur Prioritizes Health Amid Demanding Tennis Schedule

Former world No. 2 Ons Jabeur announced she is taking control of her schedule and putting herself first after experiencing depression during a grueling run on the professional tennis tour.

Both the men’s and women’s circuits have faced criticism recently for their packed calendars. Several top players, including Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, Daria Kasatkina, Elina Svitolina, and Paula Badosa, have cut their seasons short to manage their physical and mental health.

Three-time Grand Slam runner-up Jabeur, affectionately known as the “Minister of Happiness” for her cheerful personality, took a break from competitive tennis in July to focus on her well-being.

“The schedule is killing everyone,” she told Sky Sports. “I hope the tennis community will listen to us and reduce some of the tournaments. It’s piling up—for example, Doha and Dubai. I want to play there, but two WTA 1000 tournaments in a row? It’s too much. I feel they want to add more. Also, two-week WTA 1000 tournaments—I don’t know whose idea that was … none of the players like it.”

Reuters has reached out to the WTA for comment.

The WTA has previously stated that athlete welfare is its top priority. The organization said it has considered players’ input on the calendar through the Players’ Council and board representatives to improve the 2024 schedule and enhance compensation.

Under WTA rules, top players are required to compete in all four Grand Slams, 10 WTA 1000 tournaments, and six WTA 500 events. Failure to participate results in penalties that affect ranking points.

“I’m done letting the schedule dictate what I should do and what I shouldn’t do,” Jabeur added. “I suffered a lot—mentally more than physically. But my body was screaming for help for a long time, and I wasn’t listening. I think I had depression without even knowing it, and yet people call me the ‘Minister of Happiness.’ I was sad for a long time. I’m putting myself first. That’s a huge step.”

-Shrivathsa Sridhar/Reuters