Ons Jabeur claims she has made the ‘worst decision’ in 2024 which has stuttered her form

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Ons Jabeur has finally shed some light on the troubles that have resulted in such a tough start to 2024.

Yet to win more than two consecutive matches in any tournament she has featured in this season, there have been clear signs of fatigue from the world number six.

However, she was yet to confirm those issues, and therefore the silence made for debate over what was holding her back.

Well, the Tunisian star has finally broken her silence…

What has held Ons Jabeur back this season?

Everyone wants to see Jabeur do well, so her struggles this season have unsurprisingly been well-documented.

Now, seeking to brush aside any rumours, the 29-year-old has offered an open and heartfelt admission regarding her desperation to play, particularly in her homeland, despite the pain she feels.

When asked about playing through injuries, she claimed: ‘I think it’s the worst decision you can take because my heart wants to play and my body is not allowing so much.’

Having also recently lost to Beatriz Haddad Maia, in which she cut a tearful figure, Jabeur then explained the situation: ‘I honestly don’t think about it too much. I’m an open book, an emotional person. I like to show myself. One thing I have learned is to accept the emotion, and if I try to hide it, it will not make me feel good.’

Jabeur could do with a rest

As an Arab woman, it must be extremely tempting to brush her fitness concerns aside in favour of featuring in the Middle East.

After all, for many, she is a symbol of a brighter future for women, as a figurehead and a revolutionary who has already broken records with her exploits in representing African women.

However, as someone with a close affiliation with Dubai, it is understandable why she is so desperate to keep playing.

Arguably though, it is now proving more trouble than it’s worth, and could end up having huge long-term ramifications too.

After all, she has made her desperation to win a Grand Slam well known, with the story regarding her loss at Wimbledon last year a truly heart-wrenching one.

There is a reason why she is such a well-liked tennis personality, and why so many neutrals love to see her succeed. Her eclectic and electric brand of tennis is something which everyone can enjoy, and to finish every match with a broad smile only adds to her charm.

The hope is that, by pushing through these injuries, she could afford herself a rest in time for Roland-Garros and beyond.