Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian tennis sensation, has stirred up some controversy by opting to skip the Paris Olympics. In a detailed explanation, Jabeur cited concerns about changing surfaces and how it could potentially jeopardize the rest of her season, especially given her ongoing knee issues.
The decision came on the heels of other top players like Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka withdrawing from the Olympics due to similar concerns about transitioning from grass to clay. Interestingly, despite skipping the Olympics, all three players – Jabeur, Sabalenka, and Raducanu – are now competing at a hard-court WTA 500 tournament in Washington.
During a press conference in Washington, Jabeur opened up about her decision, revealing that she has been struggling with a knee problem for quite some time. The 29-year-old three-time Grand Slam finalist admitted that while she can manage the issue, a sudden shift from grass to clay and then to hard courts would be too much for her troublesome knee to handle.
“I didn’t play the Olympics because of the surface changes. Since I have knee problems, honestly it would be a very tough decision to take. It would probably make me not be able to play for the rest of the season. I’m managing my knee so much… Probably people don’t know what’s happening on the inside,” Jabeur explained.
Despite her absence from the Olympics, Jabeur has been making waves in the tennis world, becoming the most successful Tunisian player in history. Her decision not to participate in the prestigious event was undoubtedly disappointing for her fans and fellow Tunisians alike.
As Jabeur continues to carve out her path in the tennis world, her dedication to her health and career is evident. While her decision to skip the Olympics may have raised some eyebrows, it is clear that she has her sights set on a successful and sustainable season ahead.
